Table 1 Standards for improving quality of maternal and new-born care in health facilities
Quality Standards [QS]a | Quality Statementsb | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Evidence based practices for routine care and management of complications | QS 1 | Every woman and new-born receive routine, evidence-based care and management of complications during labour, childbirth and the early postnatal period, according to WHO guidelines. | Quality Statements 1.1a-1.1c Pre-and Postnatal routine assessments and timely care e.g. Pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, postpartum haemorrhage, reanimation, infections |
Actionable information systems | QS 2 | The health information system enables use of data to ensure early, appropriate action to improve the care of every woman and new-born. | Quality Statements 2.1-2.2 Pre- and Postnatal standardized medical records, monitoring, analysis feedback provided by health facility |
Functional referral system | QS 3 | Every woman and new-born with condition(s) that cannot be dealt with effectively with the available resources is appropriately referred. | Quality Statements 3.1-3.3 Appropriate assessed admission, pre-established referred within health facilities, information exchange among HC staff |
Effective communication | QS 4 | Communication with women and their families is effective and responds to their needs and preferences. | Quality Statements 4.1-4.2 Information on care provision, interaction with staff, coordinated care with information exchange from health and social professionals |
Respect and preservation of dignity | QS 5 | Women and new-born receive care with respect and preservation of their dignity. | Quality Statements 5.1-5.3 Privacy, confidentiality, informed choices in received services, no denial of services or mistreatment |
Emotional support | QS 6 | Every woman and her family are provided with emotional support that is sensitive to their needs and strengthens the woman’s capability. | Quality Statements 6.1-6.2: Option given to experience labour and childbirth with companion of her choice, support to strengthen capabilities during childbirth |
Competent, motivated, human resources | QS 7 | For every woman and new-born, competent, motivated staff are consistently available to provide routine care and manage complications. | Quality Statements 7.1-7.3: Access to support staff for routine care with appropriate competences, Health facility has managerial and clinical leadership to undertake quality improvement |
Essential physical resources available | QS 8 | The health facility has an appropriate physical environment, with adequate water, sanitation and energy supplies, medicines, supplies and equipment for routine maternal and new-born care and management of complications. | Quality Statements 8.1-8.3: Functional, reliable, safe and sufficient facilities, organized pre-and postnatal areas, adequate medicines, supplies and equipment for routine care and management of complications |