Assessment of an e-learning training program for cardiotocography analysis: a multicentre randomized study

Objective: To assess the improvement of knowledge in cardiotocography (CTG) analysis, with the use of a dedicated e-learning program. Study design: Multicentre randomized controlled trial conducted in 5 maternity departments of Eastern Paris Perinatal network. Midwives and obstetricians were recruited on a voluntary basis. At first log-in, they were tested on CTG interpretation and on labor management. They were then randomly allocated to a "training" group (n = 57) with the e-learning program, or to a "no-training" group (n = 56). After three months, a second test was performed. Mean scores at first and second tests, rate of participants in the bottom quartile, and mean scores between doctors and midwives were compared between "training" and "no-training" groups. Results: Seventy-five midwives and 38 obstetricians participated in the study. The mean scores at first test were similar in both groups (32.4 +/- 5.2 out of 50 and 32.5 +/- 4.6, p = 0.989). After e-learning, the results were significantly higher in the "training" group than in the "no-training" group (mean 37.1 +/- 5.5 vs. 32.6 +/- 5.7, respectively; p = 0.0026). The number of participants in the bottom quartile reached 36.0% in the "no-training" group, while it decreased to 12.6% in the "training" group (p = 0.032). Doctors had higher results than midwives in the first test (34.9 +/- 5.9 vs. 32.4 +/- 4.3; p = 0.0048), but not in the second test in the group with training (37.7 +/- 6.7 vs. 36.8 +/- 4.8; p = 0.64). Conclusion: Training in CTG interpretation using an e-learning program improves the performance of obstetric staff. The possibility of logging-in from any place at any time may favor the use of an e-learning program in maternity staff. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.