Cross-over trial comparing maternal acceptance of two fetal movement charts

• Published in: The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine Vol. 14; no. 2; pp. 118 - 122
• Main Authors: Christensen, F. C., Olson, K., Rayburn, W. F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Informa UK Ltd 01.08.2003; Taylor & Francis; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Adult; Antenatal Testing; Cross-Over Studies; Documentation - methods; Female; Fetal Monitoring - methods; Fetal Movement; Fetal Movement Chart; Fetal Surveillance; Humans; Medical Records; New Mexico; Patient Compliance; Patient Satisfaction; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, Third; Surveys and Questionnaires; New Mexico
• ISSN: 1476-7058; 1476-4954
• DOI: 10.1080/jmf.14.2.118.122

Objective: To compare two daily fetal movement charting techniques to determine which chart was preferred by patients and which promoted more patient adherence. Methods: This randomized trial included patients with singleton gestations between 28 and 34 weeks' gestation, with intact membranes and not in labor. Consenting women were given a Hollister® chart and a 'count to 10' chart in a cross-over manner over two consecutive 1-week periods. Each patient answered a questionnaire establishing which chart was preferred. All returned charts were evaluated for patient adherence. Data were analyzed using either the Yates-corrected χ2 test or Fisher's exact test when appropriate. Results: Forty patients agreed to participate, and 31 completed and returned both charts. The 'count to 10' chart was clearly preferred over the Hollister chart (29 vs. 2; p = 0.002) because of the shorter recording period (median 23 min vs. 1 h; p < 0.01). The proportion of patients who fully completed the 'count to 10' chart during the week was significantly higher than the proportion completing the Hollister chart (68% vs. 26%; p < 0.001). Conclusion: The 'count to 10' fetal movement chart was clearly preferred and promoted a higher level of adherence.