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INTERGROWTH-21^st tools have been downloaded more than 170,000 times*, now research is underway to find out what impact these tools have had on clinical and research practice across the world.

The tools are based on the INTERGROWTH-21^st Project which produced international prescriptive standards for pregnancy dating, maternal weight gain, fetal growth, newborn size, the postnatal growth of preterm infants and cognitive development at 2 years of age. These scientifically robust clinical tools could be used to monitor and evaluate maternal and fetal wellbeing, as well as infant health and nutrition at an individual and population level.

These tools include charts, calculators and apps that can be downloaded on the INTERGROWTH-21^st standards and Tools resource page. There is also an e-learning course aimed at doctors, midwives, nurses and other health professionals caring for preterm infants that promotes the INTERGROWTH-21^st feeding protocol and standards.

Research midwife, Arancha de la Horra is leading the INTERGROWTH-21^st Impact Assessment research project to help understand how and where these tools have been used and what could be improved.

As part of this research a survey was launched inviting those who’ve used the tools to share their experiences as well as their suggestions for improvements. This will then be followed up with research interviews and focus groups with selected participants who are happy to take part.  

Research midwife, Arancha de la Horra, said: “We are especially interested in what impact INTERGROWTH-21^st resources have made to clinicians and researchers’ work, career and skills. We are also keen to know how we can improve these resources and what further tools would help you in your role.”

The result of the impact assessment will be published on The Global Health Network once the project is completed. If you have any questions or comments, please email: Arancha.delahorra@wrh.ox.ac.uk

Research Ethics Reference: OxTREK 541-18

*(The download number for this article has been updated from the original 120'000 on 5 March 2019)

Useful Links:

Access the INTERGROWTH Standards and Tools

Take the Preterm infant feeding and growth monitoring: Implementation of the INTERGROWTH-21^st protocol, interactive e-Learning course (Also available in Russian, Spanish and Portuguese)

Learn more about the INTERGROWTH-21^st Project

Learn more about mixed method research