Intermittent auscultation in obstetric practice in tertiary health facilities in Nigeria. Are we doing it correctly?

Authors

  • Green Kinikanwo Department of Obstetrics and gynaecology, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt
  • Mkpe Abbey Department of obstetrics and gynaecology, Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt
  • George M. Ela Department of obstetrics and gynaecology, Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20215069

Keywords:

IA obstetric practice, Tertiary health facilities, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Intermittent auscultation (IA) was the main method of foetal monitoring in Nigeria, with the pinard stethoscope more in use than the hand-held Doppler. Aim of the study to produce a guideline on IA, conduct an audit on its use and to give a recommendation for future practice. 

Methods: A mixed-method design-observational-descriptive, review and an audit carried out in tertiary centres in Rivers State, Nigeria. The WHO 2018, FIGO 2015 and other guidelines on IA were reviewed. Good practice points were extracted from the literatures and used to produce a guideline. 17 review criteria for the audit were chosen from the guideline and used to test 150 doctors, midwives and nurses. Data were analysed with Epi. info 2020. 

Results: A guideline on IA was created. Out of the 150 participants, correct answers to the questions were given as follows: foetal movements over the preceding 24 hours before IA,  determination of  foetal lie, assessment of presentation and position before IA and identification of point of application of foetal stethoscope on maternal abdomen by 121 (80.67%), 17 (11.33%) and 34 (22.67%) respectively; frequency of IA in the antenatal period, duration of IA and maternal pulse palpation during IA for 13-98 (8.67-65.33%), 121 (80%) and 0 (0%) respectively; in labour, questions on timing of IA, ruling out hypoxia in early labour,  determination of the baseline FHR  and recording of the findings on IA for 61-130 (40.67-86.67%); interval and duration of IA and management of abnormal findings in the antenatal period and in labour, interval and duration of IA at 2-18 (1.33-12%).

Conclusions: The performance of IA by obstetric practitioners was poor; that may account for some of the wrong management plan in the antenatal and intra-partum periods. A quarterly or yearly drills on IA were therefore recommended. 

References

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Published

2021-12-28

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Original Research Articles