Midwives’ competence in interpretation of the intrapartum cardiotocograph at public hospitals in Gauteng: An explanatory sequential mixed-methods study

Q2 Nursing

International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences Pub Date : 2025-01-01 DOI:10.1016/j.ijans.2025.100825

Sanele Lukhele , Fhumulani Mavis Mulaudzi , Rodwell Gundo

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Cardiotocograph (CTG) tracing is a routine intrapartum care procedure for women who have been diagnosed with high-risk pregnancy. The aim of the CTG is to identify fetuses that are at risk in order to expedite delivery.

Purpose

To asssess midwives’ competence in the interpretation of the intrapartum cardiotocograph at public hospitals in Gauteng.

Methods

An explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach was used. During phase one, 122 midwives in Johannesburg and Tshwane District filled in self-administered questionnaires, and during phase two, 30 midwives took part in semi-structured qualitative interviews. The data from both phases was analyzed separately and then integrated using the Pillar Integration Process.

Results

The Pillar Integration Process led to the identification of six pillars: 1) substandard CTG interpretation training leads to a lack of understanding of key concepts; 2) absence of norms and standards pertaining to CTG interpretation training; 3) Essential Steps in Managing Obstetric Emergencies (ESMOE) training does not result in improved CTG interpretation scores; 4) lack of standardization of CTG interpretation guidelines causes confusion among interpreters; 5) level of knowledge of foundational concepts of CTG interpretation affects clinical judgment; and 6) CTG interpretation skill is a combination of understanding of CTG characteristics, fetal heart rate pattern, fetal physiology and clinical context.

Conclusion

The results highlighted a knowledge deficit in CTG interpretation and shortfalls in the current CTG training programs. This can be remediated by the development of a CTG training program which is benchmarked with existing programs which have demonstrated good knowledge scores of participants over a long period.

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来源期刊

International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences Nursing-Nursing (all)

CiteScore

2.40

自引率

0.00%

发文量

114

审稿时长

21 weeks

期刊介绍： International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences (IJANS) is an international scientific journal published by Elsevier. The broad-based journal was founded on two key tenets, i.e. to publish the most exciting research with respect to the subjects of Nursing and Midwifery in Africa, and secondly, to advance the international understanding and development of nursing and midwifery in Africa, both as a profession and as an academic discipline. The fully refereed journal provides a forum for all aspects of nursing and midwifery sciences, especially new trends and advances. The journal call for original research papers, systematic and scholarly review articles, and critical papers which will stimulate debate on research, policy, theory or philosophy of nursing as related to nursing and midwifery in Africa, technical reports, and short communications, and which will meet the journal''s high academic and ethical standards. Manuscripts of nursing practice, education, management, and research are encouraged. The journal values critical scholarly debate on issues that have strategic significance for educators, practitioners, leaders and policy-makers of nursing and midwifery in Africa. The journal publishes the highest quality scholarly contributions reflecting the diversity of nursing, and is also inviting international scholars who are engaged with nursing and midwifery in Africa to contribute to the journal. We will only publish work that demonstrates the use of rigorous methodology as well as by publishing papers that highlight the theoretical underpinnings of nursing and midwifery as it relates to the Africa context.