Comparison of Cost Efficiency of Olive Oil, Gel-Olive Oil Mixed and Gel as a Sound Media for External Electronic Fetal Monitor

Abstract

This randomized controlled trial was conducted to study the efficiency and the cost of using olive oil, gel and olive oil mixed, and gel as the sound media for the external electronic fetal monitor. The study samples were comprised of 90 pregnant women admitted at the labor room unit in Nakornping Hospital, Chaing Mai during January to February 2013. The participants were equally divided into 3 groups: (1) the experimental group 1 (using olive oil), (2) the experimental group olive 2 (using oilgel mixed), and the control group (using gel). Fetal cardiography was recorded and evaluated by a specialist. Data were collected on the research instruments consisted of the external electronic fetal monitor, sound media; olive oil, gel olive oil mixed and gel with the use of demographic record and performance forms; and were analyzed by descriptive statistics and analyze statistics; one-way ANOVA test and Fisher exact test. It was found that the performance of sound, clarity and graphic continuity of the three groups were not statistically different. The opinions of samples on viscosity, distribution of materials, cleansing and smell were all in favor of olive oil; and the overall satisfaction was statistically significant. Olive oil was less viscous, easy cleaning and more satisfactory. There was no allergy reaction reported. Olive oil was also cheaper than the other 2 preparations. Therefore, olive oil should replace gel as the sound media for external electronic fetal monitor.