Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 24, 2026
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
How an extended perinatal audit may improve perinatal policy
Isabelle Dehaene1, Kristien Roelens, Geert Page
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Ghent , Ghent , Belgium and.
Insights
Integrating intrapartum asphyxia analysis into perinatal audits improves care quality. Key findings highlight the importance of fetal monitoring and timely intervention during labor to prevent adverse outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Perinatal Medicine
- Quality Improvement in Healthcare
Background:
- Perinatal audits aim to enhance care quality by analyzing perinatal deaths.
- Including intrapartum asphyxia cases offers deeper insights into improving perinatal care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze perinatal deaths and intrapartum asphyxia cases to identify areas for quality improvement.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of current perinatal care practices in preventing adverse outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of perinatal death and intrapartum asphyxia cases at Jan Yperman Hospital in 2012.
- Review of case data to identify preventable factors and deviations from optimal care standards.
Main Results:
- Three perinatal deaths occurred, none deemed preventable.
- Nineteen cases of proven metabolic acidosis were identified, with seven considered preventable.
- Deficiencies included absent fetal monitoring and delayed interventions for significant ST events during labor.
Conclusions:
- Integrating intrapartum asphyxia analysis into perinatal audits is crucial for identifying and rectifying care deficiencies.
- Emphasis on continuous fetal monitoring and prompt management of ST events during labor can optimize perinatal care quality.
Abstract:
Abstract Objective: A perinatal audit has the intention of quality of care improvement based on analysis of perinatal death, with our without analysis of maternal morbidity and/or mortality. Additional analysis of cases of intrapartum asphyxia could provide more insight into ways to improve quality of perinatal care. Methods: Analysis of cases of perinatal death and asphyxia in Jan Yperman Hospital, Ieper, Belgium, in 2012. Results: Three perinatal deaths occurred, none were preventable. Nineteen cases of proven metabolic acidosis have been identified. Three cases are considered possibly preventable, four cases are considered preventable. In three (possibly) preventable cases, foetal monitoring was absent during the active second stage of labour. In two preventable cases, intervention following a significant ST event in the second stage of labour was delayed. In one case intervention was delayed in the first stage of labour, while in another, indicated operative delivery in the second stage was not conducted. Conclusions: Integrating intrapartum asphyxia in the perinatal audit gives an opportunity to identify and eliminate weak points in the perinatal care chain, thereby optimizing quality of care. Lessons learned from our internal audit are the value of foetal monitoring and adequate action on significant ST events during second stage of labour.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:19Respiratory Assessment: Purpose and Indications
Objectives and Importance:
The primary goal of respiratory assessment is to evaluate patients at early risk of clinical deterioration. Since respiratory distress often precedes other signs of declining health, breathing patterns and sounds become a...