RCOG Audit for Group B Strep

The RCOG in partnership with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and supported by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and commissioned by the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC), have undertaken an audit of obstetric units in regards to prevention of early-onset Group B Streptococcal disease(EOGBS) finding regional variations in practice.

The audit concludes by making a number of recommendations including:

Local guidelines on prevention of EOGBS and information on GBS provided to patients in obstetric units must be reviewed regularly to ensure that they reflect national guidelines and are updated.

Reviews of practice to prevent EOGBS and other neonatal infections should be regularly undertaken in all obstetric units to ensure high quality and consistent care.

National guidelines, including those published by the RCOG, must be clear, coherent and consistent with other guidance.

Inconsistencies in practice or knowledge regarding EOGBS prevention among staff in the same unit or provider should be challenged, and education and communication between all staff improved.

More evidence is needed about the care received by women to refine the national policy on the prevention of EOGBS, standardise local guidelines and to ultimately reduce the incidence of the disease.

The RCOG guidelines can be found here:

https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/audit-quality-improvement/gbs-audit/