Effect of Traditional Versus Wireless Electronic Fetal Monitoring on Maternity Nurses' Performance and Birth Outcomes in the Digital Age

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant professor of Maternal and Newbon Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University

2 Lecturer of Maternal and Newbon Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University

Abstract

Abstract: Technological developments in the digital age have drastically changed healthcare procedures, particularly in maternity care. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of traditional versus wireless electronic fetal monitoring on maternity nurses' performance and birth outcomes in the digital age. Design: A quasi-experimental research design was utilized. Settings: The study was conducted at University Hospital and Maternity Hospital in Menoufia Governorate, Egypt. Sample: A convenient sample of fifty maternity nurses and a purposive sample of one hundred pregnant women were chosen. Tools: maternity nurse-specific structured interview questionnaire, nurses' observational checklist regarding electronic fetal monitoring and intrapartum electronic fetal monitoring. Results: Following the intervention, the maternity nurses demonstrated significant improvements in their knowledge and practice of wireless electronic fetal monitoring compared to traditional methods. However, there were discrepancies in clinical outcomes: Apgar scores were marginally lower in the wireless electronic fetal monitoring group (9.2 ± 0.4) compared to the traditional fetal monitoring group (9.4 ± 0.4), and rates of newborn resuscitation were slightly higher in the wireless electronic fetal monitoring group (7%) than in the traditional fetal monitoring group (13%). The study shows that training in wireless electronic fetal monitoring systems significantly improves maternity nurses' proficiency in setup, operation, and response times, potentially leading to more efficient fetal monitoring practices. Conclusion: The training program improved maternity nurses' knowledge and practices on wireless and traditional fetal monitoring during intrapartum care. Post-training showed improved understanding and utilization of the technology. Wireless monitoring improved maternal and fetal outcomes, reduced fetal distress incidents, and lowered cesarean delivery rates, indicating its superiority. Recommendations: Integrating wireless electronic fetal monitoring into labor management guidelines with careful consideration of training, infrastructure, and ongoing evaluation to optimize maternal and fetal outcomes

Keywords

Egyptian Journal of Health Care
Volume 15, Issue 3
September 2024
Pages 1281-1300

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics