Implementation of a universal cervical length screening program for the prevention of preterm birth.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this article is to evaluate the implementation and acceptability of a universal cervical length (CL) screening program for prediction and prevention of preterm birth (PTB).


METHODS
We performed a prospective observational study to evaluate the implementation and acceptability of a universal CL screening program. Between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2012, women with singleton gestations, without a cerclage or prior spontaneous PTB, were offered transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) for CL between 18(0/7) and 23(6/7) weeks' gestation. Sonographers and medical staff received education before implementation. Intervention for a short CL was interpreted according to a standard protocol. On June 1, 2012, our program was modified from "opt-in" to "opt-out." SPSS 20.0 (released 2011, IBM statistics for Windows version 20, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) was used for analysis.


RESULTS
Over 12 months, 1,484 (87%) of 1,706 eligible women were offered CL screening, and 1,119 (75%) were actually screened. Women were more likely to accept CL screening if they were nulliparous versus multiparous (83 vs. 68%, p < 0.001) and if the sonographer was female versus male (83 vs. 42%, p < 0.001). Implementation of an "opt-out" protocol did not increase the overall number of women accepting CL screening compared with an "opt-in" approach (76 vs. 75%, p = 0.81) CONCLUSION: Universal CL screening can be feasibly implemented and is acceptable to most women.
Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Kelly M
KM
Orzechowski
Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Sara S
SS
Nicholas
Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Jason K
JK
Baxter
Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Stuart
S
Weiner
Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Vincenzo
V
Berghella
D000328:Adult; D054791:Cervical Length Measurement; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D010298:Parity; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal; D055815:Young Adult