Midwives’ attitudes towards the use of cardiotocography in Greece

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiotocography was designed to monitor the condition of the fetus during childbirth, but is now widely used in the prenatal period and the test is especially important in high-risk pregnancies, as it can detect reduced fetal placental function in conditions such as preeclampsia, hypertension, Rhesus sensitization etc. Aim: The aim of the research is to evaluate and highlight the attitude of Midwives regarding the use of cardiotocography in Greece prenatally and during childbirth. Material and Method: Data were collected using a questionnaire that included questions about the attitude of midwives to the use of cardiotocography. The sample was random and the questionnaires were distributed electronically via google forms. Results: It was found that 82% of the respondents consider the existence of a cardiotocograph necessary in an emergency and 76.7% express a positive opinion regarding its use in general and during childbirth, 49% state that with cardiotocography during childbirth, the mother's anxiety increases but at the same time 50.5% believe that the cardiotocograph does not spoil the beauty of childbirth. Also, 71.8% of the respondents do not consider that their skills are undermined by the use of cardiotocography and 52.4% state that the caregivers are not distracted by the mother. In addition, 71.8% of the respondents do not consider that their skills are undermined by the use of cardiotocography and also 52.4% state that the caregivers are not distracted from the mother. In addition, 43.7% state that their own judgment outweighs the ECG results but in cases where the ECG gives false indications, 36.9% state that they do not trust their judgment. Finally, 61.6% believe that cardiotocography is often used unnecessarily. Conclusions: Midwives in Greece are positive about the use of cardiotocography prenatally and during childbirth and do not consider that their knowledge and skills are undermined through the examination, with the majority of respondents (82%) to consider the existence of a cardiotocograph necessary in an emergency.