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ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the impact of the implementation of evidence-based practices on normal delivery care. Method: quasi-experimental, before-and-after intervention study conducted in a public maternity hospital, Amapá. Forty-two professionals and 280 puerperal women were interviewed and data from 555 medical records were analyzed. The study was developed in three phases: baseline audit (phase 1), educational intervention (phase 2) and post-intervention audit (phase 3). Results: after the intervention, there was an increase of 5.3 percentage points (p.p.) in the normal delivery rate. Interviews with the women revealed a significant increase of the presence of companions during labor (10.0 p.p.) and of adoption of the upright or squatting position (31.4 p.p.); significant reduction of amniotomy (16.8 p.p.), lithotomy position (24.3 p.p.), and intravenous oxytocin (17.1 p.p.). From the professionals’ perspective, there was a statistical reduction in the prescription/administration of oxytocin (29.6 p.p.). In the analysis of medical records, a significant reduction in the rate of amniotomy (29.5 p.p.) and lithotomy position (1.5 p.p.) was observed; the rate of adoption of the upright or squatting position presented a statistical increase of 2.2 p.p. Conclusions: there was a positive impact of the educational intervention on the improvement of parturition assistance, but the implementation process was not completely successful in the adoption of scientific evidence in normal delivery care in this institution.

AbstractOBJECTIVEPresenting methodology for transferring knowledge to improve maternal outcomes in natural delivery based on scientific evidence.METHOD: An intervention study conducted in the maternity hospital of Itapecerica da Serra, SP, with 50 puerperal women and 102 medical records from July to November 2014. The PACES tool from Joanna Briggs Institute, consisting of pre-clinical audit (phase 1), implementation of best practice (phase 2) and Follow-up Clinical Audit (phase 3) was used. Data were analyzed by comparing results of phases 1 and 3 with Fisher's exact test and a significance level of 5%.RESULTSThe vertical position was adopted by the majority of puerperal women with statistical difference between phases 1 and 3. A significant increase in bathing/showering, walking and massages for pain relief was found from the medical records. No statistical difference was found in other practices and outcomes. Barriers and difficulties in the implementation of evidence-based practices have been identified. Variables were refined, techniques and data collection instruments were verified, and an intervention proposal was made.CONCLUSIONThe study found possibilities for implementing a methodology of practices based on scientific evidence for assistance in natural delivery.