Audit on cardiotocographs

Abstract

METHOD: One hundred cardiotocographs taken in women who presented between 01 April 2005 and 22 April 2005 were analyzed. In those who had more than'one cardiotocograph (CTG), the first one was analyzed. Documentation about name, B.H.T No., date and time of CTG, time of seeing the CTG, whether reactive or not, action taken, signature and designation were assessed. Ninety percent was considered the target. RESULTS: The mean age of the subjects was 27.2 years ( SD 3.1 ). The period of gestation ranged from 29 to 41 weeks with a median of 38.7 weeks. Fifty six subjects had only one CTG while 19 had two CTGs and 25 had three or more CTGs. There was a median delay of 1.3 hours ( range 0.1 to 6 hours) in taking the CTGs. Eighty seven CTGs had the name documented while only 66 had the B.H.T. No. documented. The date was documented in 95 CTGs, but the time was documented only in 76. Time of seeing the CTG was documented only in 72. Eighty one CTGs had documentation on whether it was reactive or not. However, only 11 gave any details on the action taken. The signature was found in 84 CTGs, but only 78 had the designation of the person documented. CONCLUSION: The results were discussed at an audit meeting. It was concluded that documentation on CTGs was poor. The importance of proper documentation on CTGs was stressed to the team members. A re-audit is planned in three months to assess any improvement.