Survey into fetal monitoring practices and attitudes

This article evaluates an audit of attitudes to, and practice of, monitoring the fetal heart rate during labour. All grades of maternity care givers were included in the audit The overall perception was that continuous electronic monitoring has improved maternal and neonatal outcomes. This is despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. This may be attributed to practice being based on previous experience, with literature review secondary in its influence. The definition of intermittent fetal monitoring remains ambiguous. When individual scenarios were presented, wide variation of opinion was demonstrated both between disciplines and within grades of staff. The midwife is placed in an intolerable position. Conflict exists between theory and practice. If this Is to be resolved, there is a need for compulsory interdisciplinary education. Furthermore, if the medicalization of childbirth is to be reduced, it is midwives themselves who need to address their philosophy of care.