Mapping innovations in partograph technologies: a scoping review from 2000 to 2025

Digital technologies like the electronic partograph have revolutionised the documentation of progress of labour and birth. The purpose of the electronic partograph is to improve documentation of the progress of the intrapartum period by addressing challenges in partograph use. The tool provides real-time decision support, enhances data entry, and increases access and coordination of information for informed decision-making. Further research is required to map innovations in partograph technologies embedded in data documentation and labour progress monitoring.

The aim of this scoping review is to map innovations in partograph technologies based on studies published between 2000 and 2025.

This scoping review followed the five-step framework established by Arksey and O'Malley as well as the population, concepts, and contexts model. A comprehensive search was conducted across seven databases using refined keywords. Data were extracted, charted, synthesised, and summarised.

A total of 13 original articles-studying 8,655 women in labour-were included in this review. The studies evaluated an electronic or digital paperless partograph, assessing its effectiveness and user-friendliness compared with the WHO/modified WHO partograph. This scoping review highlights that digital partographs, especially mobile applications and digital paperless versions, are practical tools for improving labour monitoring globally.

This scoping review found that digital paperless and novel partograph designs show promise for improving labour monitoring, particularly in resource-limited settings. The adoption of these tools can streamline documentation, enhance communication among healthcare providers, and facilitate timely interventions. This review recommends integrating ultrasound-based digital tools into labour monitoring for improved diagnostic accuracy and patient comfort.

https://osf.io/m96tw/.