Michael S Ruma1, Wendy M Banker2. 1. Perinatal Associates of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA. 2. Aurora Research & Consulting, LLC, Spencerport, NY, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Measure availability and use of fetal fibronectin (fFN) testing and transvaginal ultrasound to measure cervical length (TVCL) for symptomatic preterm labor (PTL) patients. Additionally, assess the presence and impact of PTL triage protocols. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional online survey among clinicians from 255 unique hospitals regarding prior 12-month practices (pre-COVID-19). RESULTS: fFN testing was always available in 87% (221) of hospitals, while TVCL was always available in 69% (175) of hospitals. Utilization was lower: fFN specimens were often/always collected in 61% (156) of hospitals and TVCL was often/always performed in 43% (110) of hospitals. fFN testing was significantly more likely than TVCL to be available and used (p < .05). Written PTL protocols were available in 47% (121) of hospitals but not consistently followed. CONCLUSION: The most accurate risk assessment approach for imminent spontaneous preterm birth is the implementation of a universal screening program for symptomatic patients, including fFN testing and TVCL.
OBJECTIVE: Measure availability and use of fetal fibronectin (fFN) testing and transvaginal ultrasound to measure cervical length (TVCL) for symptomatic preterm labor (PTL) patients. Additionally, assess the presence and impact of PTL triage protocols. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional online survey among clinicians from 255 unique hospitals regarding prior 12-month practices (pre-COVID-19). RESULTS: fFN testing was always available in 87% (221) of hospitals, while TVCL was always available in 69% (175) of hospitals. Utilization was lower: fFN specimens were often/always collected in 61% (156) of hospitals and TVCL was often/always performed in 43% (110) of hospitals. fFN testing was significantly more likely than TVCL to be available and used (p < .05). Written PTL protocols were available in 47% (121) of hospitals but not consistently followed. CONCLUSION: The most accurate risk assessment approach for imminent spontaneous preterm birth is the implementation of a universal screening program for symptomatic patients, including fFN testing and TVCL.
Authors: Delia Grab; Bogdan Doroftei; Mihaela Grigore; Ovidiu Sebastian Nicolaiciuc; Sorana Caterina Anton; Gabriela Simionescu; Radu Maftei; Maria Bolota; Ciprian Ilea; Gabriel Costachescu; Emil Anton Journal: Healthcare (Basel) Date: 2022-07-20
Authors: Fagen Xie; Nehaa Khadka; Michael J Fassett; Vicki Y Chiu; Chantal C Avila; Jiaxiao Shi; Meiyu Yeh; Aniket Kawatkar; Nana A Mensah; David A Sacks; Darios Getahun Journal: JMIR Med Inform Date: 2022-09-06