Decision-delivery intervals: Impact of a colour code protocol for emergency caesareans

Assess the impact of implementation by simple distribution of a “colour code” protocol for emergency caesareans on the course over time of the “decision-delivery interval” (DDI) and neonatal outcome. Observational study in 26 maternity units of the AURORE perinatal network, conducted between October 1, 2017, and April 30, 2018. Each maternity ward́ was supposed to prospectively include 20 consecutive cases of caesareans performed either as an emergency, that is, as a code orange, or an extreme emergency, that is, code red. We compared the DDIs observed in 2017 to those in 2007 according to the degree of emergency, the maternity unit level of care, and their adherence to the protocol. Neonatal outcome in 2007 and 2017, assessed from laboratory and clinical indicators, was also compared, overall and according to the degree of emergency. The DDI was significantly lower in 2017 (n = 478) than in 2007 (n = 447), regardless of the degree of emergency and the level of care (p