The Need For Training
There has been a well-documented need for multiprofessional improvements to CTG interpretation for decades to improve neonatal and maternal outcomes.
Errors with fetal heart rate monitoring was the most common theme found in Five years of cerebral palsy claims: A thematic review of NHS Resolution data
(2017).
In addition, NHS England (Saving Babies’ Lives, 2016) recommends effective fetal monitoring in labour as one of the key elements of care designed to tackle
stillbirth and neonatal deaths, and that training in CTG interpretation should be annual.
This course aims to provide evidence-based training on CTG interpretation based on fetal physiology and pathophysiology of intrapartum hypoxic injury so as to reduce hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy whilst reducing unnecessary operative interventions.
Aims and Objectives
- To understand control of fetal heart rate and the factors that affect the features observed on the Cardiotocograph (CTG).
- To understand the types of intrapartum hypoxia and resultant features observed on CTG Trace.
- To appreciate wider clinical picture such as inflammation, infection and meconium whilst interpreting CTG Traces.
- To ensure rational application of National Guidelines and the role of additional tests of fetal wellbeing to optimise perinatal outcomes.
- To effect a paradigm shift from pattern recognition to the use of knowledge of fetal pathophysiology whilst interpreting CTG Traces.
