Women's experiences of continuous fetal monitoring – a mixed‐methods systematic review

Abstract

This review suggests that continuous fetal monitoring is accepted by women. However, it has also highlighted both the paucity and heterogeneity of current studies and suggests that further research should be conducted into women's experiences of continuous fetal monitoring before such devices can be used clinically.

A mixed‐methods evaluation of continuous electronic fetal monitoring for an extended period

“…This suggests that the technical performance of CFM using the Monica AN24 is consistent between study populations. As well as the quantitative measurements, the qualitative data obtained was consistent with a meta‐analysis of five published studies, identifying practical limitations of the device, high levels of satisfaction and maternal reassurance, but anxiety as to whether the FHR trace was normal.…”

“…Continuous fetal monitoring (CFM) describes technologies which can provide an objective view of fetal wellbeing and could be practically used over long periods of time. A systematic review of five studies including a total of 105 participants found a paucity of data about professionals’ and womens' experiences of CFM . This review identified four main themes: practical limitations of the device, negative emotions, positive perceptions and device implementation.…”

A systematic scoping review to identify the design and assess the performance of devices for antenatal continuous fetal monitoring

“…Following the removal of duplicated articles, two reviewers with clinical experience (KT and AH) independently screened all titles and abstracts to determine their eligibility with regard to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, as stated previously; the articles were then categorised into one of three groups ('included', 'excluded' or 'uncertain'). The same definition for CFM was applied as mentioned in our previous systematic review [17]; only devices which can be used in the antenatal period, are non-invasive and those which can safely be potentially used for a sustained period of time were included in this review. Ultrasound-based technologies were excluded due to heating concerns associated with prolonged use [15].…”

“…Nonetheless, the experimental use of CFM devices has already prevented adverse outcomes in a number of cases, specifically using the Monica AN24 [50] and the FMAM [78]. In addition to this, as well as providing reassurance to women that their baby is being actively monitored [17], the use of a CFM device increases maternal awareness of fetal wellbeing [60]. This demonstrates the multiple benefits which can be achieved through the use of CFM in clinical practice, enabling timely identification of compromised fetuses which in turn could assist in the reduction of the stillbirth and neonatal mortality rates.…”

“…To date, non-invasive devices with limited safety concerns have primarily focused on monitoring the FHR or FM pattern for extended time periods. In order to implement such devices into clinical practice, the views of healthcare professionals and pregnant women must be considered, both of whom have indicate that the use of CFM devices would be acceptable [16,17].…”