The influence of the introduction of national guidelines on preterm birth prevention practice: UK experience.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To identify the current status of specialist preterm labour (PTL) clinics and identify changes in management trends over the last 5 years following release of the NICE preterm birth (PTB) guidance.

Design

Postal Survey of Clinical Practice.

Setting

UK.

Population

All consultant-led obstetric units.

Methods

A questionnaire was sent by post to all 187 NHS consultant-led obstetric units. Units with a specialist PTL clinic were asked to answer a further six questions defining their protocol for risk stratification and management.

Main outcome measures

Current practice in specialist PTL clinics. Changes in treatment trends over 5 years.

Results

Thirty-three PTL prevention clinics were identified, with 73% running weekly. NHS staff (84%

SUBMITTER: Care A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6590292 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature