The Institute Launches Study Days for Doctors and Midwives

On Saturday 21st November 2015, the first in a series of medical study days for doctors and midwives was held at Canterbury Christ Church's Medway campus.

The course, titled CTG Interpretation, was a full study day where basic and advanced skills in fetal heart monitoring in labour were taught.

Aimed at both doctors and midwives, the study day material was designed in a stepwise fashion, starting from the basics and progressing to cover advanced aspects of CTG Interpretation. Pathophysiology of fetal heart, controversies regarding the current NICE guidelines as well as mediocolegal implications were discussed.

Among the most popular lectures on this study day, according to the candidate's feedback, was an alternative approach to interpretation of the fetal heart rate. Rather than following strict guidelines, a more physiological approach was taught which can result in a more accurate prediction of fetal hypoxia during labour.

More than 40 candidates – mainly student midwives – in addition to registered midwives and doctors attended; all of whom received a handbook of CTG Interpretation specifically written for the day. Members of the team included Professor Hasib Ahmed, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Miss Maya Basu, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Sarah Faith, Registered Midwife, and Hany Wisa, Speciality Doctor in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (Course organiser).

The study day was the result of the successful collaboration between Canterbury Christ Church's Institute of Medical Sciences and Medway NHS Foundation Trust.

All candidates stated they would recommend this course to colleagues and would attend future courses. Lecturers received 93%-99% positive rating for both content and delivery, and we are planning future study days. The next study day, STAN Fetal Monitoring (2), is scheduled to be held on Saturday 19th March 2016.