Knowledge and attitudes about vaginal birth after Caesarean section in Australian hospitals

A survey of staff attitudes and knowledge about vaginal birth after Caesare an section (VBAC) was undertaken in Australian hospitals. There was a high response rate (67%), and over 900 responses were analysed. Generally, there was a high level of awareness about outcomes and the relative importance o f many issues in considering VBAC. Registrars, consultants and midwives dif fered significantly in some aspects of their knowledge and attitudes to VBA C. There was also a wide range of opinion within each group. Approximately half (53%) of respondents believed patients should be actively encouraged t o consider VBAC, whereas 47% felt it should be simply presented as an optio n.