scholarly journals Competence of healthcare professionals in diagnosing and managing obstetric complications and conducting neonatal care: a clinical vignette-based assessment in district and subdistrict hospitals in northern Bangladesh

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. e028670
Author(s):  
Abdullah Nurus Salam Khan ◽  
Farhana Karim ◽  
Mohiuddin Ahsanul Kabir Chowdhury ◽  
Nabila Zaka ◽  
Alexander Manu ◽  
...  

BackgroundThis study assesses the competency of maternal and neonatal health (MNH) professionals at district-level and subdistrict-level health facilities in northern Bangladesh in managing maternal and newborn complications using clinical vignettes. The study also examines whether the professional’s characteristics and provision of MNH services in health facilities influence their competencies.Methods134 MNH professionals in 15 government hospitals were interviewed during August and September 2016 using structured questionnaire with clinical vignettes on obstetric complications (antepartum haemorrhage and pre-eclampsia) and neonatal care (low birthweight and immediate newborn care). Summative scores were calculated for each vignette and median scores were compared across different individual-level and health facility-level attributes to examine their association with competency score. Kruskal-Wallis test was performed to identify the significance of association considering a p value<0.05 as statistically significant.ResultsThe competency of MNH professionals was low. About 10% and 24% of the health professionals received ‘high’ scores (>75% of total) in maternal and neonatal vignettes, respectively. Medical doctors had higher competency than nurses and midwives (score=11 vs 8 out of 19, respectively; p=0.0002) for maternal vignettes, but similar competency for neonatal vignettes (score=30.3 vs 30.9 out of 50, respectively). Professionals working in health facilities with higher use of normal deliveries had better competency than their counterparts. Professionals had higher competency in newborn vignettes (significant) and maternal vignettes (statistically not significant) if they worked in health facilities that provided more specialised newborn care services and emergency obstetric care, respectively, in the last 6 months.ConclusionsDespite the overall low competency of MNH professionals, exposure to a higher number of obstetric cases at the workplace was associated with their competency. Arrangement of periodic skill-based and drill-based in-service training for MNH professionals in high-use neighbouring health facilities could be a feasible intervention to improve their knowledge and skill in obstetric and neonatal care.

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (S1) ◽  
pp. 31-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashish KC ◽  
Dipendra Raman Singh ◽  
Madan Kumar Upadhyaya ◽  
Shyam Sundar Budhathoki ◽  
Abhishek Gurung ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Nepal has pledged to substantially reduce maternal and newborn death by 2030. Improving quality of intrapartum health services will be vital to reduce these deaths. This paper examines quality of delivery and newborn services in health facilities of Nepal. Methods Data were sourced from the Nepal Health Facility Survey 2015, which covered a national representative sample of health facilities. The datasets were analysed to assess service readiness, availability and quality of delivery and newborn care in a sample of 992 health facilities. Results Of the 992 facilities in the sample, 623 provided delivery and newborn care services. Of the 623 facilities offering delivery and newborn care services, 13.3% offered comprehensive emergency obstetric care (CEmONC), 19.6% provided basic emergency obstetric care (BEmONC) and 53.9% provided basic delivery and newborn service. The availability of essential equipment for delivery and newborn care was more than 80% in health facilities. Except for the coverage of vitamin K injection, the coverage of immediate newborn care was more than 85% in all health facilities. The coverage of use of chlorhexidine ointment to all newborns was more than 70% in government hospitals and primary health care centers (PHCCs) and only 32.3% in private hospitals. Conclusions These findings show gaps in equipment and drugs, especially in PHCCs and private health facilities. Improving readiness and availability of equipment and drugs in PHCCs and private health facility will help improve the quality of care to further reduce maternal and newborn mortality in Nepal.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. e0194576 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siphiwe Bridget Pearl Thwala ◽  
Duane Blaauw ◽  
Freddie Ssengooba

1970 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 126-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Nazneen ◽  
RA Begum ◽  
K Sultana

Background information: Since the early 1990s, emergency obstetric care (EmOC) in Bangladesh has played important role to reduce the maternal mortality rate. Along with other indicators of improved maternal care, there is a trend of rising caesarean section rates over the last decade affecting the economy of the country. According to demographic and Health Surveys conducted between 1993 and 2004, rate of caesarean section has risen from 2% to 6% which is more pronounced in urban area. Objective: To assess the indications and the trends of caesarean sections done over a 10-year period from 1995- 2004. Study Design: A retrospective observational study of the cases of caesarean sections over a decade. Study setting: Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College Hospital. Results: 23748 women were admitted in department of Obstetrics and Gynacology. Total deliveries were 21149(89.05% of total admission). The caesarean birth rate increased from 45.85% to 70.55%. The indications varied a little in cases of malpresentation and eclampsia. APH and IUGR has risen a little (from 2.56 to 2.6 to 1.83 to 2.34%) respectively. But proportion of repeat caesarean section and that of presumed foetal distress (or less foetal movement) increased (from 25.99 to 31.45% and from 8 to 15%), recently the indication, as maternal choice is also coming up (from .43 to .8%). The proportion has fallen in prolonged labour for cervical dystocia (from 17 to 2.6%) and obstructed labour (from 4.6% to .36%). The data were compared and analyzed by Z Test and corresponding P value was calculated which was not significant. Conclusion: Though caesarean section is a very safe intervention in obstetrics at present, crucial evaluation of the indications is advocated to reduce the rates of caesarean secion. Keywords: Caesarean section rates; Indications DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbcps.v29i3.9432 JBCPS 2011; 29(3): 126-132


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. e027187
Author(s):  
Peter Brückmann ◽  
Ashfa Hashmi ◽  
Marina Kuch ◽  
Jana Kuhnt ◽  
Ida Monfared ◽  
...  

ObjectivesPakistan is one out of five countries where together half of the global neonatal deaths occur. As the provision of services and facilities is one of the key elements vital to reducing this rate as well as the maternal mortality rate, this study investigates the status of the delivery of essential obstetric care provided by the public health sector in two districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2015 aiming to highlight areas where critical improvements are needed.SettingWe analysed data from a survey of 22 primary and secondary healthcare facilities as well as 85 community midwives (CMWs) in Haripur and Nowshera districts.ParticipantsUsing a structured questionnaire we evaluated the performance of emergency obstetric care (EmOC) signal functions and patient statistics in public health facilities. Also, 102 CMWs were interviewed about working hours, basic and specialised delivery service provision, referral system and patient statistics.Primary outcome measuresWe investigate the public provision of emergency obstetric care using seven key medical services identified by the United Nations (UN).ResultsDeliveries by public health cadres account for about 30% of the total number of births in these districts. According to the UN benchmark, only a small fraction of basic EmOC (2/18) and half of the comprehensive EmOC (2/4) facilities of the recommended minimum number were available to the population in both districts. Only a minority of health facilities and CMWs carry out several signal functions. Only 8% of the total births in one of the study districts are performed in public EmOC health facilities.ConclusionsBoth districts show a significant shortage of available public EmOC service provisions. Development priorities need to be realigned to improve the availability, accessibility and quality of EmOC service provisions by the public health sector alongside with existing activities to increase institutional births.


BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. e018739 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pontius Bayo ◽  
Imose Itua ◽  
Suzie Paul Francis ◽  
Kofi Boateng ◽  
Elijo Omoro Tahir ◽  
...  

ObjectiveTo determine the met need for emergency obstetric care (EmOC) services in three Payams of Torit County, South Sudan in 2015 and to determine the frequency of each major obstetric complication.DesignThis was a retrospective cross-sectional study.SettingFour primary healthcare centres (PHCCs) and one state hospital in three payams (administrative areas that form a county) in Torit County, South Sudan.ParticipantsAll admissions in the obstetrics and gynaecology wards (a total of 2466 patient admission files) in 2015 in all the facilities designated to conduct deliveries in the study area were reviewed to identify obstetric complications.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome was met need for EmOC, which was defined as the proportion of all women with direct major obstetric complications in 2015 treated in health facilities providing EmOC services. The frequency of each complication and the interventions for treatment were the secondary outcomes.ResultsTwo hundred and fifty four major obstetric complications were admitted in 2015 out of 390 expected from 2602 pregnancies, representing 65.13% met need. The met need was highest (88%) for Nyong Payam, an urban area, compared with the other two rural payams, and 98.8% of the complications were treated from the hospital, while no complications were treated from three PHCCs. The most common obstetric complications were abortions (45.7%), prolonged obstructed labour (23.2%) and haemorrhage (16.5%). Evacuation of the uterus for retained products (42.5%), caesarean sections (32.7%) and administration of oxytocin for treatment of postpartum haemorrhage (13.3%) were the most common interventions.ConclusionThe met need for EmOC in Torit County is low, with 35% of women with major obstetric complications not accessing care, and there is disparity with Nyong Payam having a higher met need. We suggest more support supervision to the PHCCs to increase access for the rural population.


2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdou Jammeh ◽  
Johanne Sundby ◽  
Siri Vangen

Objective. The Gambia has one of the world's highest perinatal mortality rates. We explored barriers of timely access to emergency obstetric care services resulting in perinatal deaths and in survivors of severe obstetric complications in rural Gambia. Method. We applied the “three delays” model as a framework for assessing contributing factors to perinatal deaths and obstetric complications. Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 survivors of severe obstetric complications at home settings within three to four weeks after hospital discharge. Family members and traditional birth attendants were also interviewed. The interviews were translated into English and transcribed verbatim. We used content analysis to identify barriers of care. Results. Transport/cost-related delays are the major contributors of perinatal deaths in this study. A delay in recognising danger signs of pregnancy/labour or decision to seek care outside the home was the second important contributor of perinatal deaths. Decision to seek care may be timely, but impaired access precluded utilization of EmOC services. Obtaining blood for transfusion was also identified as a deterrent to appropriate care. Conclusion. Delays in accessing EmOC are critical in perinatal deaths. Thus, timely availability of emergency transport services and prompt decision-making are warranted for improved perinatal outcomes in rural Gambia.


2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shegufta S Sikder ◽  
Alain B Labrique ◽  
Hasmot Ali ◽  
Abu AM Hanif ◽  
Rolf DW Klemm ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Proos ◽  
H. Mathéron ◽  
J. Vas Nunes ◽  
A. Falama ◽  
P. Serry-Kamal ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundSierra Leone has one of the highest maternal mortality ratios in the world. Timely and well-coordinated referrals are necessary to reduce delays in providing adequate care for women with obstetric complications. This study describes the perspectives of health workers in rural facilities in Sierra Leone concerning the referral of women with obstetric complications.MethodsWe conducted semi-structured group interviews with health care workers in nine peripheral health units in rural Sierra Leone regarding the referral of women with obstetric complications. Themes discussed were based on an interview guide. The data was analysed by systematic text condensation.ResultsPerspectives were grouped according to the following themes identified: 1) communication between health care workers; 2) underlying influences on decision-making; 3) women’s compliance to referral; 4) logistic constraints.ConclusionSeveral factors in rural Sierra Leone are perceived to complicate timely and adequate referral of women in need of emergency obstetric care. Notable among these factors are fear among women for being referred and fear among health care workers for having maternal deaths or severe obstetric complications at their own facilities. Furthermore, the decision-making of health care workers concerning referral is negatively influenced by an atmosphere of hierarchy between health care workers. Such factors must be considered in efforts to reduce maternal mortality.


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silas Ochejele

Maternal death was once a common occurrence worldwide but today, 99% of maternal deaths occur in low income countries. Most of the maternal deaths are due to direct obstetric complications. Emergency obstetric care is the intervention required to save the lives of these women. It is based on a tripod of signal functions, skilled birth attendants and a functional health system. The objective of this article was to discuss the role of Emergency obstetric care in maternal mortality reduction. A systematic review of available articles on Emergency obstetric care; and Emergency obstetric care training materials, experience and observations used/made between 2003 and 2017 in Nigeria was used for this work. Emergency obstetric care is the nucleus on which all other maternal mortality reduction activities are hinged. The paradigm evolvement of Emergency obstetric care offers the last hope for a woman with direct obstetric complication. However, the skilled birth attendant must have the right attitude in addition to her/his professional skills for effective implementation of these interventions. Women need access to and availability of Emergency obstetric care as well as a continuum of care that includes antenatal, intra-partum and postnatal care, newborn care and family planning services to reduce maternal mortality.


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