A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of a Behavioral Intervention to Facilitate the Development and Implementation of Clinical Practice Guidelines in Latin American Maternity Hospitals: The Guidelines Trial: Study Protocol [ISRCTN82417627]

Citation

Althabe, Fernando; Buekens, Pierre; Bergel, Eduardo; Belizán, José M.; Kropp, Nora; Wright, Linda L.; Goco, Norman; & Moss, Nancy E., for the Guidelines Trial Group (2005). A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of a Behavioral Intervention to Facilitate the Development and Implementation of Clinical Practice Guidelines in Latin American Maternity Hospitals: The Guidelines Trial: Study Protocol [ISRCTN82417627]. BMC Women's Health, 5, 4. PMCID: PMC1090598

Abstract

BACKGROUND: A significant proportion of the health care administered to women in Latin American maternity hospitals during labor and delivery has been demonstrated to be ineffective or harmful, whereas effective interventions remain underutilized. The routine use of episiotomies and the failure to use active management of the third stage of labor are good examples.
METHODS/DESIGN: The aim of this trial is to evaluate the effect of a multifaceted behavioral intervention on the use of two evidence-based birth practices, the selective use of episiotomies and active management of the third stage of labor (injection of 10 International Units of oxytocin). The intervention is based on behavioral and organizational change theories and was based on formative research. Twenty-four hospitals in three urban districts of Argentina and Uruguay will be randomized. Opinion leaders in the 12 intervention hospitals will be identified and trained to develop and implement evidence-based guidelines. They will then disseminate the guidelines using a multifaceted approach including academic detailing, reminders, and feedback on utilization rates. The 12 hospitals in the control group will continue with their standard in-service training activities. The main outcomes to be assessed are the rates of episiotomy and oxytocin use during the third stage of labor. Secondary outcomes will be perineal sutures, postpartum hemorrhages, and birth attendants' opinions.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1472-6874-5-4

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year Published

2005

Journal Title

BMC Women's Health

Author(s)

Althabe, Fernando
Buekens, Pierre
Bergel, Eduardo
Belizán, José M.
Kropp, Nora
Wright, Linda L.
Goco, Norman
Moss, Nancy E., for the Guidelines Trial Group

PMCID

PMC1090598