‘I can already see there are huge benefits in clinical care’

Earlier this month, Calderdale Royal Hospital went live with K2 FetalWellbeing™, software that applies the Dawes-Redman criteria to confirm whether the pattern of recorded fetal heart rate is consistent with that of a healthy fetus. We checked in with the team shortly after go-live to hear their thoughts on the implementation of the software, the team’s reaction to the new functionality, and the impact they are already beginning to see it have on their processes.

What needs, both clinical and non-clinical, has K2 FetalWellbeing met?

We needed the functionality to be able to offer computerised CTG analysis for all women reporting reduced fetal movements from 26/40 pregnant to fulfil the requirements of Element 3 of Saving Babies’ Lives. Rather than having just one or two Dawes-Redman machines per unit like other Trusts have, we have the functionality on every AN portal at CHFT.

How has K2 FetalWellbeing assessment functionality improved your previous processes?

The previous process we had was having K2 Athena on a portal to monitor the fetus, which I’m told it was never designed for. It was slow and sometimes had glitches. Since the update the system itself is much quicker and easier to use with the added bonus of having the FetalWellbeing assessment functionality.

What improvements in clinical care have been realised for the woman, clinical staff, and the hospital?

With the implementation and following recommendations from the RCOG we are able to offer monitoring to any woman presenting from 26/40 gestation. Previously it was 28/40. Prior to the update we changed our guidelines to accommodate this. Clinical staff report the portals are much faster and more efficient. Women who present to our DAU with RFM have the potential for a much quicker visit as the criteria for the test is generally met after 10 minutes, meaning the flow through the unit is much quicker thus making a more efficient service.

The improvement for the hospital in this digital age is that we are able to offer this first of type option of fetal monitoring which is stored within our current digital end-to-end system, no printing and scanning like we would have had to do with other options to offer computerised CTGs.

What has been the reaction of users of the functionality? Do they find it easy to use and navigate?

The staff really like the new functionality. The look of it is familiar to them as it’s very much like the intrapartum Guardian screen, it’s much faster than the previous Athena portal and therefore we have had instant approval from all staff members. Like any new system there has been a little apprehension but we created a detailed SOP and user manual for staff to follow.

How has it integrated within the current maternity systems?

It is fully integrated end-to-end.

Did you feel that the implementation of K2 FetalWellbeing was smooth?

The issues with COVID-19 delayed our release, but we had a detailed cutover plan and everything went smoothly. Following the update, we realised we couldn’t see historical CTGs from previous AN admissions which was a risk but mitigated by viewing through the Audit tool. This issue was fixed overnight by K2MS and resolved the next day.

Did you feel like you had appropriate support before, during and after implementation?

Yes, we set up a WhatsApp group so I could send instant images back to K2 as we had difficulty at times having K2 on site during COVID-19; however, for the go-live, Liam was able to be present in full PPE. I know I can contact any member of the K2 team for support should there be an issue.

Are you able to quantify the changes that have been made to care, time and cost for this area of care?

Having only had the system two weeks I am unable to quantify the changes in terms of cost of care; however, I can already see there are huge benefits in clinical care: reducing time spent in the unit, providing functionality that meets national standards and recommendations all contained within our end-to-end system, and reducing the risk of human error in interpreting results.

Click here to speak to a member of our team about K2 FetalWellbeing™ and find out how it can bolster the excellent care your hospital already provides.