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

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate an in situ training program on caradiotocography interpretation during labor in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region (France).

Methods: Fifteen hospital maternity unit took part to an "outreach visit" training on fetal cardiotocography interpretation between November 2011 and 2015. Professionals were asked to answer to a 10 questions test based on the French classification of fetal heart rate, at inclusion (Test 0: T0), immediately after (Test 1: T1), and long time after the training (Test 2: T2). The mean score for each maternity (T0, T1, T2) was compared individually. Subgroup analysis considered the level of perinatal care of each maternity (level 1 or 2) and the type of practice (public or private).

Results: The study included 332 healthcare professionals belonging to 8 level 1 (53.5%) and 7 level 2 (47.7%) maternity units. The T0 mean score was 4.79 (IC 95% [4.54; 5.02]) instead of 6.71(IC 95% [6.49; 6.93]) at T1 (P<0.05). Seventeen professionals (22.9%) answered T2 with a mean time of 35.2 months (Median value: 40 months) and a mean score of 5.32. The mean score was significantly higher at T2 than at T0 (5.32-IC 95%[4.94-5.70] (P<0.001) but lower than the score at T1 (P<0.05).

Conclusion: An "outreach visit" training on fetal cardiotocography interpretation improves theknowledge of healthcare professionals at short and long term.

Keywords: Cardiotocographie; Cardiotocography; Evaluation; Programme d’enseignement; Training program; Évaluation.