Brief Description of the Microqualification Educational Program
1. Main Focus of the Educational Program
The program belongs to the field of Healthcare, within the specialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and is aimed at developing professional competencies in the functional assessment of fetal well-being using cardiotocography (CTG) during the antepartum and intrapartum periods.
2. Purpose of the Microqualification Educational Program
To provide learners with comprehensive theoretical knowledge and practical skills in performing, analyzing, and interpreting antepartum and intrapartum cardiotocography for fetal assessment, early detection of fetal hypoxia, and evidence-based clinical decision-making.
3. Objectives of the Microqualification Educational Program
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- To study the physiological basis of fetal cardiac activity and the principles of cardiotocography;
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- To master the methodology of antepartum and intrapartum CTG monitoring;
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- To develop skills in the interpretation of baseline fetal heart rate, variability, accelerations, and decelerations;
- To train participants in identifying signs of fetal hypoxia and fetal distress;
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- To develop clinical decision-making skills based on CTG findings;
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- To familiarize learners with international (FIGO) and national standards of fetal monitoring.
4. Rationale for the Educational Program
Cardiotocography is one of the key methods for assessing fetal condition during the antepartum and intrapartum periods and is widely used in obstetric practice for the early detection of fetal hypoxia and prevention of perinatal complications. Current clinical guidelines emphasize the importance of accurate CTG interpretation for timely obstetric decision-making. However, insufficient practical competence among healthcare professionals may lead to diagnostic errors and unnecessary interventions. This program is designed to enhance professional competencies in contemporary fetal monitoring and improve the quality of perinatal care.
Course Information:
| No. | Course Title | Brief Course Description | Credits | Academic Hours | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Modern Antepartum and Intrapartum Cardiotocography | Study of the physiological foundations of CTG. Standardization of CTG trace interpretation according to FIGO guidelines. Principles of intrapartum fetal monitoring. Clinical management algorithms for suspicious and pathological CTG findings. Methodology of fetal scalp blood sampling for pH and lactate assessment. | 2 | 60 | LO1–LO8 |
Intended Learning Outcomes:
LO1 |
Interpret CTG parameters (baseline fetal heart rate, variability, accelerations, and decelerations) in accordance with the international FIGO classification incorporated into the 2023 clinical guidelines. |
LO2 |
Classify CTG findings into three categories—normal, suspicious, and pathological—and determine the appropriate clinical management strategy for each category. |
LO3 |
Identify indications for and interpret the results of adjunctive fetal assessment methods, including pH and lactate measurements from fetal scalp blood sampling, when CTG findings are inconclusive. |
LO4 |
Apply clinical management algorithms for pathological CTG patterns, including intrauterine resuscitation measures and determination of optimal timing for delivery. |
LO5 |
Perform differential diagnosis among various types of decelerations (early, variable, late, and prolonged) to assess the risk of hypoxic-ischemic fetal injury. |
LO6 |
Utilize artificial intelligence–based clinical decision support systems to reduce subjectivity in the interpretation of CTG tracings. |
LO7 |
Demonstrate effective communication and empathy when informing patients about pathological fetal conditions, using standardized patient assessment results for self-reflection and improvement. |
LO8 |
Analyze the digital footprint of personal clinical actions during fetal monitoring to optimize timing and prioritization of diagnostic interventions. |