Objective: To compare the responses of medical staff using the STAN S21 fetal heart monitor versus standard cardiotocography (CTG) to monitor abnormal fetal heart rate in labor.
Method: Questionnaires were completed by medical staff involved in a randomized controlled trial to compare STAN surveillance with traditional surveillance before the trial had finished. Respondents were questioned about their experience and confidence using the STAN system.
Results: The response rate was 82% (89/109). Overall, 71% of respondents preferred using STAN surveillance, while 5% preferred standard CTG. Reasons given for preference over CTG alone were the continuous nature of surveillance (47%), the need for fewer scalp pH tests (39%), and its capacity to screen for severe fetal distress (30%).
Conclusion: Most of the medical staff surveyed preferred using STAN versus standard surveillance techniques to monitor abnormal fetal heart rate during labor.