Human factors affecting the interpretation of fetal heart rate tracings: an update

Human factors can have an important impact on cardiotocography (CTG) interpretation and management decisions, and therefore may directly affect obstetrical outcomes.

It has been well demonstrated that there is wide observer disagreement over CTG interpretation, particularly in the evaluation of variability, decelerations, and overall tracing classification. The reasons behind this are still incompletely understood, but poor reproducibility can have a profound impact on the technology's accuracy and on its efficacy. Some scientific societies have recently revised their guidelines for CTG interpretation, but no up-to-date universally accepted recommendation exists. In spite of some approximation between the major guideline sets, important differences still exist between them, and they remain complex and prone to memory decay. Regular training in CTG interpretation appears to result in increased knowledge, better observer agreement, and improved quality of care. Computer analysis has also been developed, but remains heavily dependent on staff to confirm interpretation and to decide clinical management.

An international consensus, comprising simpler and more objective interpretation guidelines, together with regular staff training, and improved decision support systems seem to be the way forward for this technology.