Delayed cord clamping in China: a cross-sectional survey of clinical practices and perceptions in Jiangsu Province.

OBJECTIVE

To understand the awareness and practice of delayed cord clamping (DCC) among obstetric medical staff in Jiangsu Province.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Obstetricians and midwives practising in Jiangsu Province, China.

PARTICIPANTS

The online survey was created using the Wenjuanxing app and distributed through hospital administrators to WeChat groups of obstetricians and midwives for participation.

OUTCOME: The questionnaire includes 28 items covering the respondents' basic information, their knowledge and understanding of DCC, and its implementation status. Data analysis was based on frequencies and descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

A total of 1001 people completed and submitted the questionnaire, with 866 included in the detailed analysis. This included 460 obstetricians (53.1%) and 406 midwives (46.9%). Among them, 50.7% reported being very familiar with DCC, and 49.3% reported being somewhat familiar with DCC. The overall routine implementation rate of DCC was 81.2%, with midwives (91.4%) having a significantly higher implementation rate than obstetricians (72.2%). In cases of caesarean section (89.8%), preterm birth (82.9%) and twin or multiple births (61.5%), most respondents chose to implement DCC. In cases of maternal infectious diseases, fewer chose to implement DCC: hepatitis B (31.9%), syphilis (24.4%) and HIV (18.4%). The main reasons for not implementing DCC were maternal bleeding or other emergencies (92.7%) and the need for neonatal resuscitation (88.8%).

CONCLUSION

The awareness and implementation rate of DCC among obstetric medical staff in Jiangsu Province are relatively high, but there are differences in specific details of cognition and practice, and no standard protocols have been formed. The application of DCC should continue to be promoted, and the early introduction of localised practice guidelines and standards should be advocated.