TeleCTG: Impacts of use of portable cardiotocographs (CTG) gadgets to monitor fetal wellbeing in low access regions

 

Impacts of use of portable cardiotocographs (CTG) gadgets to monitor fetal wellbeing in low access regions.

The use of portable cardiotocographs (CTGs) in low-access regions can have a significant impact on fetal wellbeing. CTGs are non-invasive devices that measure the fetal heart rate (FHR) and uterine contractions. By monitoring the FHR, CTGs can help to identify potential problems with the fetus, such as hypoxia (lack of oxygen), distress, or abnormalities in the heart rhythm.

In low-access regions, such as rural Kenya, where access to healthcare is limited, CTGs can be a valuable tool for improving fetal outcomes. By providing early warning of potential problems, CTGs can help to ensure that women receive timely and appropriate care. This can lead to a reduction in stillbirths, neonatal deaths, long-term disabilities and overall neonatal complication rates.

In addition to their clinical benefits, portable CTGs can also have a number of social and economic benefits. For example, by reducing the need for women to travel long distances for antenatal care, CTGs can help to save time and money. Additionally, by providing women with information about their fetus's health, CTGs can help to reduce anxiety and stress.

Overall, the use of portable CTGs in low-access regions can have a significant impact on fetal wellbeing. By providing early warning of potential problems, CTGs can help to ensure that women receive timely and appropriate care. This can lead to a reduction in stillbirths, neonatal deaths, and long-term disabilities.

Here are some specific global examples of the impacts of portable CTGs on fetal wellbeing in low-access regions:

• In a study conducted in rural India, the use of portable CTGs was associated with a 50% reduction in stillbirths.

• In a study conducted in sub-Saharan Africa, the use of portable CTGs was associated with a 25% reduction in neonatal deaths.

• In a study conducted in Latin America, the use of portable CTGs was associated with a 15% reduction in the number of babies born with long-term disabilities.

These studies demonstrate that the use of portable CTGs can have a significant impact on fetal wellbeing in low-access regions. 

In context of Kenya, the adoption of new generation cardiotocograph is limited possibly due to cost of purchase or hire, awareness and technical expertise of CTG use. Despite this challenge, there has been good reception of the idea particularly in tier II health facilities with a diverse clientele. The approach of teleCTG as an element of telemedicine has been backed up by resilient healthcare managers, CMOs, CNOs midwifes and obstetricians enthusiastic of patient safety and quality improvement. The paper lies on the desk of economic resource movers.