Inconsistencies in classification by experts of cardiotocograms and subsequent clinical decision

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 1999

Authors

Diogo Ayres de Campos (Author) Other; Joao Bernardes (Author) FMUP; Costa-Pereira A (Author) FMUP; Pereira Leite, L (Author) Other

Journal

Title: British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Vol. 106

Pages: 1307-1310

ISSN: 0306-5456

Publisher: Blackwell

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 136 Citations

Scopus - 148 Citations

Pubmed / Medline

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-001-2KP

DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1999.tb08187.x

Abstract (EN): Inter-observer agreement in the interpretation according to the FIGO guidelines of 33 cardiotocographic tracings by experts and subsequent clinical decision was evaluated, using the kappa statistic (K) and the proportions of agreement (Pa). Overall agreement in the classification of tracings was fair (K = 0.48) and was better for normal (Pa = 0.62), than for suspicious (Pa = 0.42) or pathologic tracings (Pa = 0.25). Overall agreement on clinical decision was slightly higher (K = 0.59), but mostly was centred on the decision to take 'no action' (Pa = 0.79). Experts especially disagreed over the decisions to 'monitor closely' (Pa = 0.14) or to 'intervene immediately' (Pa = 0.38). These Limitations should be taken into account in clinical audits and in medical jurisprudence.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 4