Perineal Assessment and Repair Longitudinal Study (PEARLS): a matched-pair cluster randomized trial

Table 5 Mean differences in cluster-level summary statistics of implementation of evidence-based perineal repair in phase 2

	Evidence-based management	Mean difference^a(95% CI)	P--value^b
Entry details	Use of continuous non-locking suturing technique for vaginal wall, %	−13.9% (−23.2% to −4.6%)	0.007
	Use of continuous non-locking suturing technique for muscle layer, %	−13.0% (−25.3% to −0.8%)	0.04
	Use of subcuticular suturing technique for perineal skin, %	−9.3% (−21.8% to 3.2%)	0.13
	Use of evidence-based management technique for all layers, %^c	−16.3% (−32.1% to −0.4%)	0.045
	Use of rapidly absorbable polyglactin suture, %	−17.4% (−36.9% to 2.2%)	0.08
10 to 12 day questionnaire	Women who received post-natal leaflet, %	−39.7% (−52.9% to −26.5%)	<0.001

^aMean difference = mean in group B clusters – mean in group A clusters. Negative mean differences indicate higher values on average in group A (early intervention) clusters.
^bPaired t-test.
^cFor this variable one cluster provided no data and so this cluster and its pair have been excluded (9 degrees of freedom).

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