ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The partogram is a central record in everyday practice for midwifes and obstetricians. For legal enquiries it is one of the most important documents, however, so far there is no standardised partogram in use in Germany. This study explores the current requirements and develops a standardised partogram. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In Germany 95 hospitals with a focus on tertiary referral centres were randomly selected to be questioned. Obstetricians and midwifes were asked to answer a questionnaire, which was based on a current literature search and expert interviews. RESULTS: 49 obstetricians (51.6%) and 24 midwives (25.3%) returned the questionnaires. 80% of those regularly cooperate with the other specialty with a partogram. 75% are using a standardised partogram, 8% an empty page and 6% computerised obstetric records. Most responders are using parameters which are defined in the current guidelines of the German Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Variations were especially pronounced in the scoring system of the cardiotocogram and on legal issues. Room for improvement of the current documentation was documented in half of the cases. DISCUSSION: There is a need for optimising the current birth documentation. With the results of the questionnaire a standardised model for a partogram was developed.