Formal training in cardiotocograph interpretation of healthcare practitioners improves interpretation: A prospective descriptive analytical study in a resource constrained setting

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of structured training on the cardiotocograph (CTG) interpretation skills of healthcare workers (HCWs) involved in obstetric care in a recourse constrained setting. METHOD: In all, 218 HCWs completed pre- and post-intervention questionnaires. The intervention involved structured teaching on technical aspects of CTG monitoring, fetal physiology, and adaptation to stress, and a holistic approach to interpretation. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic characteristics, frequencies, and percentages for categorical data. RESULTS: Only 26.2% of participants felt that their pre-graduate training was adequate; this was reflected by the poor baseline knowledge in CTG interpretation (56% misinterpreted) and lack of knowledge regarding technical aspects of CTG monitoring in 48.8% of participants. The training session led to a 65% improvement in technical aspects and interpretation. Those HCWs not receiving continuous training showed a more significant improvement (P < 0.001) and there was a 100% improvement in knowledge regarding the required documentation before commencing monitoring. Most (99.5%) HCWs acknowledged an improvement in knowledge, and 96.2% would participate in similar mandatory education sessions. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the fact that training in CTG monitoring is warranted and desired by HCWs. It also supports the implementation of structured CTG education in resource-constrained settings.