[Fetal heart rate analysis: Evaluation of an in situ training program on cardiotocography interpretation during labor in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region (France)]

Training in the use of intrapartum electronic fetal monitoring with cardiotocography: systematic review and meta‐analysis

Background

Sub‐optimal classification, interpretation and response to intrapartum electronic fetal monitoring using cardiotocography are known problems. Training is often recommended as a solution, but there is lack of clarity about the effects of training and which type of training works best.

Objectives

Systematic review of the effects of training healthcare professionals in intrapartum cardiotocography (PROSPERO protocol: CRD42017064525).

Search strategy

CENTRAL, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, British Nursing Database, CINAHL, ERIC, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, grey literature and ongoing clinical trials were searched.

Selection criteria

Primary studies that reported impact of training healthcare professionals in intrapartum cardiotocography. Title/abstract, full‐text screening and quality assessment were conducted in duplicate.

Data collection and analysis

Data were synthesised both narratively and using meta‐analysis. Risk of bias and overall quality were assessed with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and GRADE.

Main results

Sixty‐four studies were included. Overall, training and reporting were heterogeneous, the outcomes evaluated varied widely and study quality was low. Five randomised controlled trials reported that training improved knowledge of maternity professionals compared with no training, but evidence was of low quality. Evidence for the impact of cardiotocography training on neonatal and maternal outcomes was limited, showed inconsistent effects, and was of low overall quality. Evidence for the optimal content and method of delivery of training was very limited.

Conclusions

Given the scale of harm and litigation claims associated with electronic fetal monitoring, the evidence‐base for training requires improvement. It should address intervention design, evaluation of clinical outcomes and system‐wide contexts of sub‐optimal practice.

Tweetable abstract

Training in fetal monitoring: systematic review finds little evidence of impact on neonatal outcomes.

Training in fetal monitoring: systematic review finds little evidence of impact on neonatal outcomes.

Fetal physiology cardiotocography training, a regional evaluation

INTRODUCTION

Cardiotocography (CTG) has its limits in detecting fetal acidosis and intrapartum asphyxia. Our aim was to evaluate a CTG training programme based on fetal physiology in the Mediterranean perinatal network.

METHODS

Professionals from 41 maternity units of the Mediterranean network were invited to participate in a CTG masterclass based on fetal physiology in March 2019 and October 2019. They were asked to react to three practical cases by a physiological approach before the training course (T0), one month after (T1) and six to seven months after (T2). The mean scores were compared by using a mixed model including lapse of time to evaluation, profession of participants and level of the maternity unit as fixed effects.

RESULTS

A total of 248 professionals from 32 maternity units finally participated in the organizational audit. By using a mixed model, we found a significant improvement of the mean score at T1=6.44/10 compared to T0=4.97/10 (p<0.0001), and a significant improvement of the mean score obtained at T2=6.17/10 compared to T0 (p<0.0001). T2 scores were not significantly different from T1 scores (p=0.143).

DISCUSSION

A CTG training programme based on fetal physiology showed a significant improvement in the professionals' interpretation of CTG at short term and stable results at long term. Continuing medical education could help maintain and improve knowledge to ensure neonatal safety.