Antenatal cardiotocography in dutch primary midwife-led care: Maternal and perinatal outcomes and serious adverse events. A prospective observational cohort study

Abstract

Problem: It is yet unknown whether shifting antenatal cardiotocography (aCTG) from obstetrician-led to midwife-led care leads to a safe reduction in referrals. Background: ACTG is used to assess fetal well-being. In the Netherlands, the procedure has until now been performed as part of obstetrician-led care. Developments in E-health facilitates the performance of aCTG outside the hospital in midwife-led care, hereby increasing continuity of care. Aim: To evaluate 1) process outcomes of implementing aCTG for specific indications in primary midwife-led care; 2) maternal and perinatal outcomes of pregnant women receiving aCTG in midwife-led care; 3) serious adverse events (with outcomes, causes, avoidability, and potential prevention strategies) that have occurred during the innovation project ‘aCTG in midwife-led care’. Methods: Prospective observational cohort study and a case series study of serious adverse events. Findings: A total of 1584 pregnant women with a specific aCTG indication were included in this cohort study for whom 1795 aCTGs were performed in midwife-led care. 1591 aCTGs(89.7%) were classified as reassuring. Referral to obstetrician-led care occurred for 234 women(13.0%) after an aCTG in midwife-led care of whom 202(86%) were referred back. Severe neonatal morbidity occurred in 27 neonates (1.7%). In the 5736 aCTGs included in the case series study, one case with a serious neonatal outcome was assessed as a serious adverse event attributable to human factors. Discussion: ACTGs performed in midwife-led care increased continuity of care. In this innovation project, maternal and perinatal outcomes were in the expected range for women in midwife-led care.