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Research Article: Cardiotocography in practice: a qualitative study to explore obstetrical care professionals’ experiences with using cardiotocography information in Dutch practice

Date Published: 2023-06-15

Abstract:
Objective This study aimed to explore obstetric care professionals’ experiences with using cardiotocograph (CTG) information and how they employ this tool in their practice. Design Qualitative study, involving 30 semi-structured interviews and two focus group sessions. Conventional content analysis was used for data analysis. Setting Amsterdam University Medical Centers in the Netherlands. Participants In total, 43 care professionals participated. The respondents included obstetricians, residents in obstetrics and gynaecology, junior physicians, clinical midwives and nurses. Findings Three main categories were identified that influenced the use of cardiotocography in practice; (1) individual characteristics involving knowledge, experience and personal beliefs; (2) teams involving collaboration in and between shifts and (3) work environment involving equipment, culture and continuing development. Conclusion This study underlines the importance of teamwork when working with cardiotocography in practice. There is a particular need to create shared responsibility among team members for cardiotocography interpretation and appropriate management, which should be addressed in educational programmes and regular multidisciplinary meetings, to allow learning from colleagues’ perspectives.

Introduction:
Monitoring fetal well-being by using a cardiotocograph (CTG) has become a standard practice of intrapartum care. 1 CTG records the fetal heart rate (FHR) and uterine contractions to identify signs of intrapartum fetal hypoxia so that a timely intervention, for example, operative delivery, can take place and prenatal asphyxia may be prevented. This tool is heavily dependent on care professionals’ interpretation of its traces. 1 2 CTG traces can have ambiguous clinical meanings and considerable interobserver and…

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