Recording labour: A national survey of partogram use: A national survey of partogram use

There is little consensus regarding the use of partograms and labour charts in the western world. As a consequence there are variations in practices within and between units. Prior to implementation of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) Intrapartum Care Guidelines we conducted a survey of all Heads of Midwifery exploring the current status of labour documentation across England. This enabled a baseline of current practice to be established and offers insight into disparities. The results indicated general support for the partogram, although some units chose not to use it for certain women. There was some consistency in recorded quantifiable details, although most charts lacked any psychological data. A minority of units had pre-printed alert or action lines although often the associated guidelines were similar. Few units provided evidence to support their particular guidelines. Awareness of national variations in partogram use highlighted useful variations in partogram designs which may assist midwives in their own practice. Units should re-evaluate their own charts in line with the recommendations of the National Intrapartum Care Guidelines.