Cross-over trial comparing maternal acceptance of two fetal movement charts.
OBJECTIVE
To compare two daily fetal movement charting techniques to determine which chart was preferred by patients and which promoted more patient adherence.


METHODS
This randomized trial included patients with singleton gestations between 28 and 34 weeks' gestation, with intact membranes and not in labor. Consenting women were given a Hollister chart and a 'count to 10' chart in a cross-over manner over two consecutive 1-week periods. Each patient answered a questionnaire establishing which chart was preferred. All returned charts were evaluated for patient adherence. Data were analyzed using either the Yates-corrected chi2 test or Fisher's exact test when appropriate.


RESULTS
Forty patients agreed to participate, and 31 completed and returned both charts. The 'count to 10' chart was clearly preferred over the Hollister chart (29 vs. 2; p = 0.002) because of the shorter recording period (median 23 min vs. 1 h; p < 0.01). The proportion of patients who fully completed the 'count to 10' chart during the week was significantly higher than the proportion completing the Hollister chart (68% vs. 26%; p < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The 'count to 10' fetal movement chart was clearly preferred and promoted a higher level of adherence.
Christensen
F C
FC
Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA.
Olson
K
K
Rayburn
W F
WF
D000328:Adult; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004282:Documentation / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005323:Fetal Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D005324:Fetal Movement; D006801:Humans; D008499:Medical Records; D009516:New Mexico; D010349:Patient Compliance; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires