Use of the partograph - current thinking

Abstract The partograph (sometimes called partogram) is a labour monitoring tool that is used in countries world-wide to enable early detection of complications so that referral, action or closer observations can ensue. Whilst the partograph has received global support, from health professionals, there are concerns that it has not reached its full potential in improving clinical outcomes. This has resulted in several variations of the tool and a plethora of studies aimed at exploring the barriers and facilitators to its use. In this chapter we will discuss the history of the partograph, outlining how it has evolved over time. We will also suggest reasons why the tool may not be meeting the needs of all practitioners. In particular, we will explore partograph use as a complex intervention, suggesting that its success is likely to be dependent on multiple contextual factors.