Can the Use of a Next Generation Partograph Improve Neonatal Outcomes? (PICRINO)

The overall aim is to evaluate the impact of the use of two different guidelines for monitoring labor progress, the WHOs LCG versus standard care, on neonatal and maternal outcomes. The hypothesis is that the use of LCG will reduce adverse neonatal outcomes and decrease the number of intrapartum Cesarean sections compared with standard care.

Secondly, other perinatal interventions and complications will be compared between the LCG and standard care groups, as well as economic considerations. This will be investigated using a multicenter, stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial design.

In addition, the project will explore a series of quantitative and qualitative research questions to gain in-depth knowledge about experiences and perceptions about childbirth and the use of LCG. These research questions will be investigated using questionnaires, focus group and individual interviews with providers, partners and women that have gone through childbirth.