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Implementing the WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist: lessons learnt on a quality improvement initiative to improve mother and

Implementing the WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist: lessons learnt on a quality improvement initiative to improve mother and newborn care at Gobabis District Hospital, Namibia. BMJ Open Quality.

"Following an increase in perinatal and maternal deaths, Gobabis District Hospital initiated a quality improvement (QI) initiative to increase adherence to these WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist (SCC)-targeted essential birth practices (EBPs).

Methods: We implemented the SCC with support from leadership, coaching and organisational redesign. Implementation was led by a facility champion supported by a QI team and adapted through a series of three 8-week Plan–Do–Study–Act (PDSA) cycles.

Results: During the 6-month period, we observed an improvement of average EBPs delivered from 68% to 95%. We also found reductions in perinatal mortality rates from 22 deaths/1000 deliveries to 13.8/1000 deliveries largely due to a drop in fresh stillbirths.

Conclusion: We conclude that replicating the programme is feasible, acceptable and effective in areas where gaps exist, but it requires local leadership, ongoing coaching and adaptation through PDSA cycles."

Source: bmjopenquality.bmj.com

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