Annette Bernloehr1, Pam Smith, Vasso Vydelingum. 1. European Institute of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK. annette.bernloehr@t-online.de
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: A comprehensive review of the content of national guidelines on antenatal care for normal pregnancies in the member states of the European Union was required to find out whether a common minimum guideline would be of benefit to complement national public health policies, and what this guideline might contain. STUDY DESIGN: A structured questionnaire was sent to the Ministries of Health and the societies of obstetricians and midwives. Descriptive analyses identified which and how many member states recommend a test, to how many people this applied, and whether there was a correlation between the gross national product and the number of tests recommended. RESULTS: Answers were obtained from all 25 member states. Twenty of them have a national guideline. Forty-seven tests were reported and 23 of these are recommended for routine care by more than 50% of the countries and apply to more than 50% of inhabitants. Those tests are also supported by scientific evidence. Countries with a GNP below EU-average recommend more tests than the others. CONCLUSION: For the first time it has been demonstrated what the member states of the EU recommend for antenatal care. Based on this, a common minimum guideline for antenatal care in the EU is recommended.
OBJECTIVES: A comprehensive review of the content of national guidelines on antenatal care for normal pregnancies in the member states of the European Union was required to find out whether a common minimum guideline would be of benefit to complement national public health policies, and what this guideline might contain. STUDY DESIGN: A structured questionnaire was sent to the Ministries of Health and the societies of obstetricians and midwives. Descriptive analyses identified which and how many member states recommend a test, to how many people this applied, and whether there was a correlation between the gross national product and the number of tests recommended. RESULTS: Answers were obtained from all 25 member states. Twenty of them have a national guideline. Forty-seven tests were reported and 23 of these are recommended for routine care by more than 50% of the countries and apply to more than 50% of inhabitants. Those tests are also supported by scientific evidence. Countries with a GNP below EU-average recommend more tests than the others. CONCLUSION: For the first time it has been demonstrated what the member states of the EU recommend for antenatal care. Based on this, a common minimum guideline for antenatal care in the EU is recommended.
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