Assessment of STAN S21 fetal heart monitor by medical staff

ObjectiveTo compare the responses of medical staff using the STAN S21 fetal heart monitor versus standard cardiotocography (CTG) to monitor abnormal fetal heart rate in labor.MethodQuestionnaires were completed by medical staff involved in a randomized controlled trial to compare STAN surveillance with traditional surveillance before the trial had finished. Respondents were questioned about their experience and confidence using the STAN system.ResultsThe response rate was 82% (89/109). Overall, 71% of respondents preferred using STAN surveillance, while 5% preferred standard CTG. Reasons given for preference over CTG alone were the continuous nature of surveillance (47%), the need for fewer scalp pH tests (39%), and its capacity to screen for severe fetal distress (30%).ConclusionMost of the medical staff surveyed preferred using STAN versus standard surveillance techniques to monitor abnormal fetal heart rate during labor.