Concordance of chart abstraction and patient recall of intrapartum variables up to 53 years later.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the concordance of patient recall compared with chart abstraction for distant intrapartum variables and to evaluate predictors of concordance.

STUDY DESIGN

A random sample from a cohort of diverse women aged 40-74 years. Intrapartum variables reported by participants were compared with the medical record. Outcomes were assessed for sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine predictors of concordance of patient recall.

RESULTS

Four hundred one births among 178 women were analyzed. Recall of cesarean delivery had the highest concordance (sensitivity, 0.98; specificity, 1.00; positive predictive value, 1.00; negative predictive value, 0.99). Laceration that required repair had the lowest concordance (sensitivity, 0.37; specificity, 0.68; positive predictive value, 0.34; negative predictive value, 0.81). No variables predicted concordance of recall for all variables.

CONCLUSION

The concordance of patient recall to chart abstraction for intrapartum variables varies widely, although with a pattern of greater specificity and negative predictive value of recall. This should be kept in mind during patient interviews and in the performance of clinical research.