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Placental assessment: simple techniques to enhance best practice
Alison L Kent1, Jane E Dahlstrom
1Department of Neonatology, The Canberra Hospital, Australian National University Medical School, Australian Capital Territory, Australia. alison.kent@act.gov.au
The Australian & New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
|January 31, 2006
Summary
Placental pathology assessment significantly improved with simple interventions. Tools like information sheets and educational sessions increased appropriate placental submissions and clinical history accuracy, benefiting maternal and neonatal care.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pathology
- Perinatal Medicine
Background:
- The placenta serves as a critical record of pregnancy events.
- Pathological assessment of the placenta offers vital clinical insights for both mother and neonate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop standardized tools for appropriate placental histopathological assessment.
- To ensure consistent provision of clinical history to pathologists for accurate clinicopathological evaluation.
Main Methods:
- A placenta information form was created, detailing key clinical criteria (e.g., gestational age, infections, growth restriction, pre-eclampsia).
- A midwifery policy table outlined criteria for microbiological, histopathological, and cytogenetic assessments.
- Interventions included a reminder poster and educational sessions, with six-month review periods.
Main Results:
- Placental submissions for histopathological examination increased from 41% to 82% after interventions.
- Clinically relevant placental pathology was identified in 64% of cases.
- Comprehensive clinical history on pathology reports improved from 45% to 98%.
Conclusions:
- Simple interventions, including placental information sheets, updated policies, education, and visual aids, enhance placental histopathological examination.
- Improved assessment provides valuable pregnancy information for maternal and neonatal health outcomes.