Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/57064
Title: Midwives' perception on fetal monitoring by cardiotocography during labor
Authors: Zammit, Charlene
Keywords: Fetal heart rate monitoring
Labor (Obstetrics)
Midwives
Postnatal care
Hospitals -- Maternity services
Issue Date: 2006
Citation: Zammit, C.(2006). Midwives' perceptions on fetal monitoring by Cardiotocography during labor (Bachelor's dissertation).
Abstract: In the Western world, continuous electronic fetal heart rate monitoring (EFM) by cardiotocography is currently the most widely used technique for assessing fetal status during labor. Unfortunately, electronic fetal monitoring has not lived up to early hopes and expectations (Dover and Gauge 1995). This small scale descriptive study aimed to report a survey on midwives' perceptions of fetal monitoring by cardiotocography (CTG) during labor. Twenty midwives responded to a self-structured questionnaire, seeking information on midwives' experiences, views and perceived competence with the use of CTG machines on the labor ward. The survey sought perceptions of midwives on the advantages and disadvantages of CTGs and perceptions in relation to the routine use of CTGs. Other perceptions involved those regarding interpretation skills of CTG traces and perceptions of the relationship between the increased cesarean section rate and EFM by CTGs. The questionnaires were distributed by the researcher herself and a 100% response rate occurred. The majority of midwives in the survey find that in general cardiotocography is beneficial even though it comprises some disadvantages, such as diversity m interpretation skills. The great majority agreed between them on each CTG trace presented, however some were unsure or disagreed at times, thus showing a variation in interpretation skills was evident amongst the midwives in the sample. l\1idvvives viewed that CTG improves both maternal and neonatal outcomes but they do not feel it is used routinely in Malta. The respondents also state that they find the increase in cesarean section rate locally of great concern and they perceive that the rise has a direct relationship with the use of EFM by CTG. If the various findings in this sample survey were to be consolidated for midwives as a whole, they suggest t~at improvements could be adopted in the quality of care provided locally by midwives when utilizing CTGs, such a.<; communication skills and promotion of privacy of clients. A standard policy on CTG use should be established for midwives to be aware of and follow in order to standardize delivery of care. Training regarding interpretation skills would be beneficial if offered to midwives. Ways and means could be adopted by midwives in order to try and reduce the cesarean rate by being more assertive and not letting CTGs give rise to wrong decisions. Such issue will prevent midwives from loosing their autonomy and skills.
Description: B.SC.(HONS)MIDWIFERY
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/57064
Appears in Collections:Dissertations - FacHSc - 2006
Dissertations - FacHScMid - 2006

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