Effect of Implementing Intrapartum Digital versus Paper Partographs on Maternity Nurses' Performance and Birth Outcomes

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of implementing intrapartum digital versus paper Partographs on maternity nurses' performance and birth outcomes. Method: the researchers adopted a quasi-experimental methodology. The study was carried out at the University Hospital and Shebin El-Kom Teaching Hospital's labor wards in the Menoufia Governorate of Egypt. A convenience sample of fifty maternity nurses, and a purposive sample of two hundred pregnant women from the study settings were randomly selected. A structured interview questionnaire filled out by the maternity nurses, an observational checklist of maternity nurses' procedures, and a structured interview questionnaire filled out by the women were all used to collect the data. Results: Following the intervention, maternity nurses scored higher on both measures of knowledge and use of the digital Partograph than they had previously (75% and 90%, up from 5% and 6%, respectively). While the paper partograph was useful, the digital partograph was more accurate in predicting the chance of inferior maternal outcomes (prolonged labor 3 versus 11, cesarean section 3 versus 6, oxytocin augmentation 2 versus 4, and serious maternal morbidity or death 12 versus 22). Furthermore, when compared to the paper Partograph, the digital Partograph outperformed it in predicting the likelihood of poor fetal outcomes (7 versus 13 newborn resuscitations needed and none versus 1). Conclusion: As compared to the paper partograph, the digital version is simple to use, well-accepted, inexpensive, less invasive, and helpful in labor management, all of which contribute to a better chance of a safe birth for the mother and a healthy newborn. Recommendation: It is suggested that the digital Partograph be incorporated into labor management guidelines to aid in prompt decision-making for urgent obstetric interventions.