Midwives’ competence in interpretation of the intrapartum cardiotocograph at public hospitals in Gauteng: An explanatory sequential mixed-methods study
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Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier Ltd
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.
Description
Keywords
Cardiotocograph, Competence, Interpretation, Knowledge, Midwives
Citation
Lukhele, S., Mulaudzi, F.M. and Gundo, R., 2025. Midwives’ competence in interpretation of the intrapartum cardiotocograph at public hospitals in Gauteng: An explanatory sequential mixed-methods study. International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences, p.100825.