Teaching residents electronic fetal monitoring: a national needs assessment

Competence and standardization in Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM) interpretation are important elements for improving intrapartum fetal outcomes. Computer-based learning modules constitute a tool that can facilitate access and standardize education of EFM interpretation in family medicine residencies. The goals of this study were to determine current practices related to EFM education strategies in family medicine residency programs as well as evaluate the perceptions of residents' EFM competency and need for computer-based EFM learning.

We surveyed obstetrics curriculum directors at 423 family medicine residency programs using a 10-question, web-based survey.

A total of 208 programs participated (49% response rate); 74% (151/204) of obstetrics curriculum directors reported a need for a new computer-based EFM tutorial. This need was reported while 33% (68/204) of programs reported already using a computer-based EFM resource, and 91% (178/196) reported having resident trainees with competent EFM interpretation skills.

This national study of family medicine obstetrics curriculum directors identified a perceived need for computer-based EFM learning to enhance family medicine obstetrics training.