Related Experiment Videos
Changing physician's practice on antenatal corticosteroids in preterm birth
Phassara Saengwaree1, Tippawan Liabsuetrakul
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand.
Summary
Physician practice for antenatal corticosteroids in preterm birth significantly changed after evidence dissemination, increasing use in early preterm births. Factors like gestational age and cervical dilation influenced prescription decisions.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Perinatology
- Evidence-Based Medicine
Background:
- Antenatal corticosteroids are crucial for preterm birth management.
- Monitoring changes in clinical practice is essential for guideline adherence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To track changes in antenatal corticosteroid prescribing practices for preterm birth.
- To identify physician prescribing patterns and influencing factors.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative review of medical records.
- Qualitative interviews with attending physicians.
- Multivariable logistic regression with random effects analysis.
Main Results:
- Antenatal corticosteroid use doubled post-evidence availability and tripled post-dissemination.
- Use in gestational age <34 weeks increased from 41% to 71% and 73% (p < 0.01).
- Later gestational age and higher cervical dilation reduced corticosteroid use.
Conclusions:
- Physician practices adapted effectively to new evidence.
- Recommendations include enhanced education on early labor recognition and updated prescribing guidelines.