Examining the quality of care across the continuum of maternal care (antenatal, perinatal and postnatal care) under the expanded free maternity policy (Linda Mama Policy) in Kenya: a mixed-methods study.

BACKGROUND: Kenya still faces the challenge of mothers and neonates dying from preventable pregnancy-related complications. The free maternity policy (FMP), implemented in 2013 and expanded in 2017 (Linda Mama Policy (LMP)), sought to address this challenge. This study examines the quality of care (QoC) across the continuum of maternal care under the LMP in Kenya. METHODS: We conducted a convergent parallel mixed-methods study across multiple levels of the Kenyan health system, involving key informant interviews with national stakeholders (n=15), in-depth interviews with county officials and healthcare workers (HCWs) (n=21), exit interview survey with mothers (n=553) who utilised the LMP delivery services, and focus group discussions (n=9) with mothers who returned for postnatal visits (at 6, 10 and 14 weeks). Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. All the data were triangulated at the analysis and discussion stage using a framework approach guided by the QoC for maternal and newborns. RESULTS: The results showed that the expanded FMP enhanced maternal care access: geographical, financial and service utilisation. However, the facilities and HCWs bore the brunt of the increased workload and burnout. There was a longer waiting time for the initial visit by the pregnant women because of the enhanced antenatal care package of the LMP. The availability and standards of equipment, supplies and infrastructure still posed challenges. Nurses were multitasking and motivated despite the human resources challenge. Mothers were happy to have received care information; however, there were challenges regarding respect and dignity they received (inadequate food, over-crowding, bed-sharing and lack of privacy), and they experienced physical, verbal and emotional abuse and a lack of attention/care. CONCLUSIONS: Addressing the negative aspects of QoC while strengthening the positives is necessary to achieve the Universal Health Coverage goals through better quality service for every woman.

Is the National Health Insurance Scheme helping pregnant women in accessing health services? Analysis of the 2014 Ghana demographic and Health survey.

BACKGROUND: Increasing the use of healthcare is a significant step in improving health outcomes in both the short and long term. However, the degree of the relationship between utilization of health services and health outcomes is affected by the quality of the services rendered, the timeliness of treatment and follow-up care. In this study, we investigated whether the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) is helping pregnant women in accessing health services in Ghana. METHODS: Data for the study were obtained from the women's file of the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. All women with birth history and aged 15-49 constituted our sample (n = 4271). We employed binary logistic regression analysis in investigating whether the NHIS was helping pregnant women in accessing health service. Statistical significance was set at <0.05. RESULTS: Most women had subscribed to the NHIS [67.0%]. Of the subscribed women, 78.2% indicated that the NHIS is helping pregnant women in accessing healthcare. Women who had subscribed to the NHIS were more likely to report that it is helping pregnant women in accessing health service [aOR = 1.70, CI = 1.38-2.10]. We further noted that women who had at least four antenatal visits were more likely to indicate that NHIS is helping pregnant women in accessing health services [aOR = 3.01, CI = 2.20-4.14]. Women with secondary level of education [aOR= 1.42; CI: 1.04-1.92] and those in the richest wealth quintile [aOR = 3.51; CI = 1.94-6.34] had higher odds of indicating that NHIS is helping pregnant women in accessing healthcare. However, women aged 45-49 [aOR = 0.49; CI = 0.26-0.94], women in the Greater Accra [aOR = 0.29; CI = 0.16-0.53], Eastern [aOR = 0.12; CI = 0.07-0.21], Northern [aOR = 0.29; CI = 0.12-0.66] and Upper East [aOR = 0.17; CI = 0.09-0.31] regions had lower odds of reporting that NHIS is helping pregnant women in accessing health services. CONCLUSION: To enhance positive perception towards the use of health services among pregnant women, non-subscribers need to be encouraged to enrol on the NHIS. Together with non-governmental organizations dedicated to maternal and child health issues, the Ghana Health Service's Maternal and Child Health Unit could strengthen efforts to educate pregnant women on the importance of NHIS in maternity care.

Implementation and evaluation of a quality improvement initiative to reduce late gestation stillbirths in Australia: Safer Baby Bundle study protocol.

BACKGROUND: In 2015, the stillbirth rate after 28 weeks (late gestation) in Australia was 35% higher than countries with the lowest rates globally. Reductions in late gestation stillbirth rates have steadily improved in Australia. However, to amplify and sustain reductions, more needs to be done to reduce practice variation and address sub-optimal care. Implementing bundles for maternity care improvement in the UK have been associated with a 20% reduction in stillbirth rates. A similar approach is underway in Australia; the Safer Baby Bundle (SBB) with five elements: 1) supporting women to stop smoking in pregnancy, 2) improving detection and management of fetal growth restriction, 3) raising awareness and improving care for women with decreased fetal movements, 4) improving awareness of maternal safe going-to-sleep position in late pregnancy, 5) improving decision making about the timing of birth for women with risk factors for stillbirth. METHODS: This is a mixed-methods study of maternity services across three Australian states; Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales. The study includes evaluation of 'targeted' implementer sites (combined total approximately 113,000 births annually, 50% of births in these states) and monitoring of key outcomes state-wide across all maternity services. Progressive implementation over 2.5 years, managed by state Departments of Health, commenced from mid-2019. This study will determine the impact of implementing the SBB on maternity services and perinatal outcomes, specifically for reducing late gestation stillbirth. Comprehensive process, impact, and outcome evaluations will be conducted using routinely collected perinatal data, pre- and post- implementation surveys, clinical audits, focus group discussions and interviews. Evaluations explore the views and experiences of clinicians embedding the SBB into routine practice as well as women's experience with care and the acceptability of the initiative. DISCUSSION: This protocol describes the evaluation of the SBB initiative and will provide evidence for the value of a systematic, but pragmatic, approach to strategies to reduce the evidence-practice gaps across maternity services. We hypothesise successful implementation and uptake across three Australian states (amplified nationally) will be effective in reducing late gestation stillbirths to that of the best performing countries globally, equating to at least 150 lives saved annually. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Safer Baby Bundle Study was retrospectively registered on the ACTRN12619001777189 database, date assigned 16/12/2019.

Maternal safety: recent advances and implications for the obstetric anesthesiologist.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Recognition of the increasing maternal mortality rate in the United States has been accompanied by intense efforts to improve maternal safety. This article reviews recent advances in maternal safety, highlighting those of particular relevance to anesthesiologists. RECENT FINDINGS: Cardiovascular and other chronic medical conditions contribute to an increasing number of maternal deaths. Anesthetic complications associated with general anesthesia are decreasing, but complications associated with neuraxial techniques persist. Obstetric early warning systems are evolving and hold promise in identifying women at risk for adverse intrapartum events. Postpartum hemorrhage rates are rising, and rigorous evaluation of existing protocols may reveal unrecognized deficiencies. Development of regionalized centers for high-risk maternity care is a promising strategy to match women at risk for adverse events with appropriate resources. Opioids are a growing threat to maternal safety. There is growing evidence for racial inequities and health disparities in maternal morbidity and mortality. SUMMARY: Anesthesiologists play an essential role in ensuring maternal safety. While continued intrapartum vigilance is appropriate, addressing the full spectrum of contributors to maternal mortality, including those with larger roles beyond the immediate peripartum time period, will be essential to ongoing efforts to improve maternal safety.

Maternal health care in India: A reflection of 10 years of National Health Mission on the Indian maternal health scenario.

OBJECTIVE: Maternal healthcare coverage is the outcome of health service availability and utilization, and includes antenatal care (ANC), care at delivery, and postnatal care. This study examines the contribution of India's National Health Mission (NHM) to maternal health through a pre-post comparison of rates of delivery at a healthcare institution and use of ANC along with inequalities in the determinants of one of the major maternal health outcomes-at least four ANC visits. METHODS: Data came from the Indian National Family Health Surveys conducted between 1992-93 and 2015-16. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) associated with the predictors of at least four ANC visits. RESULTS: Institutional delivery increased by 12.6 percentage points between 1992-93 and 2005-06 (the pre-NRHM era), and thereafter interventions through the National Rural Health Mission/NHM contributed to a significant increase of 40.2 percentage points from 2005-06 to 2015-16. However, both inter- and intra-state disparities persist even now. Overall, the proportion of pregnant women who have at least four ANC visits is as low as 51.2 percent. The likelihood of having at least four ANC visits is almost four times higher for women in the richest households compared with those in the poorest (OR: 3.59; 95% CI: 3.44-3.75) CONCLUSION: Future public health efforts should focus on removing inter- and intra-state disparities in institutional delivery and ensuring at least four ANC visits for pregnant women, to meet the infant and maternal mortality targets set out in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Guidance on Behalf of the International Fetal Medicine and Surgery Society.

The COVID-19 pandemic has stressed patients and healthcare givers alike and challenged our practice of antenatal care, including fetal diagnosis and therapy. This document aims to review relevant recent information to allow us to optimize prenatal care delivery. We discuss potential modifications to obstetric management and fetal procedures in SARS-CoV2-negative and SARS-CoV2-positive patients with fetal anomalies or disorders. Most fetal therapies are time sensitive and cannot be delayed. If personnel and resources are available, we should continue to offer procedures of proven benefit, acknowledging any fetal and maternal risks, including those to health care workers. There is, to date, minimal, unconfirmed evidence of spontaneous vertical transmission, though it may theoretically be increased with some procedures. Knowing a mother's preoperative SARS-CoV-2 status would enable us to avoid or defer certain procedures while she is contagious and to protect health care workers appropriately. Some fetal conditions may alternatively be managed neonatally. Counseling regarding fetal interventions which have a possibility of additional intra- or postoperative morbidity must be performed in the context of local resource availability. Procedures of unproven benefit should not be offered. We encourage participation in registries and trials that may help us to understand the impact of COVID-19 on pregnant women, their fetuses, and neonates.

Extreme Maternal Morbidity: a tracer event to improve the quality of obstetric care in Latin America / Morbilidad Materna Extrema: evento trazador para mejorar la calidad de la atención obstétrica en América Latina

Abstract This article reviews critical aspects that have had an impact on the implementation of epidemiological surveillance of extreme maternal morbidity, as a tracer event of quality maternal care at population and institutional level; taking into account that maternal mortality has been usually monitored, and its analysis allows interventions to avoid maternal death. Until 2015, very few countries had been able to meet the goals established in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), especially MDG 5 - improving maternal health. As of today, it is observed that maternal mortality rate is quite heterogeneous, with rates from 1 case per 100,000 live births in developed countries, to more than 100 cases per 100,000 live births in developing countries. Therefore, complementary strategies such as surveillance of the extreme maternal morbidity could offer a more effective alternative to identify and implement interventions that allow us to prevent mortality and strengthen the quality of obstetric care. In addition, the importance of extreme maternal morbidity as a quality tracer event is that, unlike what is observed with maternal mortality, this is an event that occurs more frequently, is anticipatory of death, and the surviving pregnant woman is the primary source of information.

Resumen Este artículo revisa aspectos críticos que han tenido incidencia en la implementación de la vigilancia epidemiológica de la morbilidad materna extrema, como un evento trazador de calidad del cuidado materno a nivel poblacional e institucional, ya que usualmente se ha monitoreado la mortalidad materna y su análisis permite realizar intervenciones para evitar la muerte materna. Para el año 2015, muy pocos países lograron cumplir las metas establecidas en los Objetivos de Desarrollo del Milenio (ODM), especialmente el ODM 5- mejorar la salud materna. Al día de hoy se observa que la tasa de mortalidad materna es bastante heterogénea con tasas desde 1 caso por 100,000 nacidos vivos en países desarrollados, hasta más de 100 casos por cada 100,000 nacidos vivos en países en vía de desarrollo. Por lo tanto, estrategias complementarias como la vigilancia de la mortalidad materna extrema podrían ofrecer una alternativa más eficaz para identificar e implementar intervenciones que nos permitan prevenir la mortalidad y fortalecer la calidad de atención obstétrica, a partir de información más confiable y sin esperar que ocurra una muerte materna.

Tracking pregnant women displacements in Sao Paulo, Brazil: a complex systems approach to regionalization through the emergence of patterns.

BACKGROUND: The healthcare system can be understood as the dynamic result of the interaction of hospitals, patients, providers, and government configuring a complex network of reciprocal influences. In order to better understand such a complex system, the analysis must include characteristics that are feasible to be studied in order to redesign its functioning. The analysis of the emergent patterns of pregnant women flows crossing municipal borders for birth-related hospitalizations in a region of São Paulo, Brazil, allowed to examine the functionality of the regional division in the state using a complex systems approach and to propose answers to the dilemma of concentration vs. distribution of maternal care regional services in the context of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). METHODS: Cross-sectional research of the areas of influence of hospitals using spatial interaction methods, recording the points of origin and destination of the patients and exploring the emergent patterns of displacement. RESULTS: The resulting functional region is broader than the limits established in the legal provisions, verifying that 85% of patients move to hospitals with high technology to perform normal deliveries and cesarean sections. The region has high independence rates and behaves as a "service exporter." Patients going to centrally located hospitals travel twice as long as patients who receive care in other municipalities even when the patients' conditions do not demand technologically sophisticated services. The effects of regulation and the agents' preferences reinforce the tendency to refer patients to centrally located hospitals. CONCLUSIONS: Displacement of patients during delivery may affect indicators of maternal and perinatal health. The emergent pattern of movements allowed examining the contradiction between wider deployments of services versus concentration of highly specialized resources in a few places. The study shows the potential of this type of analysis applied to other type of patients' flows, such as cancer or specialized surgery, as tools to guide the regionalization of the Brazilian Health System.

The Protective Effect of Maternal Folic Acid Supplementation on Childhood Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Case-control Studies.

OBJECTIVES: Maternal folic acid supplementation is considered mandatory in almost every country in the world to prevent congenital malformations. However, little is known about the association of maternal folic acid intake with the occurrence of childhood cancer. Hence, this study aimed to determine the effects of maternal folic acid consumption on the risk of childhood cancer. METHODS: A total of 158 related articles were obtained from PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and ProQuest using standardized keywords, of which 17 were included in the final review. RESULTS: Eleven of the 17 articles showed a significant protective association between maternal folic acid supplementation and childhood cancer. Using a random-effects model, pooled odds ratios (ORs) showed a protective association between maternal folic acid supplementation and childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (OR, 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66 to 0.86). However, there was no significant association between maternal folic acid supplementation and acute myeloid leukaemia (OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.46 to 1.06) or childhood brain tumours (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.88 to 1.19). CONCLUSIONS: Maternal folic acid supplementation was found to have a protective effect against childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Thus, healthcare professionals are recommended to provide regular health education and health promotion to the community on the benefits of folic acid supplementation during pregnancy.

Violência obstétrica: influência da Exposição Sentidos do Nascer na vivência das gestantes / Obstetric violence: influences of the Senses of Birth exhibition in pregnant women childbirth experience

Resumo O excesso de intervenções no parto no Brasil tem sido reportado como violência obstétrica e contribui para os índices elevados morbi-mortalidade materna e neonatal. A exposição Sentidos do Nascer busca incentivar o parto normal para promover a saúde e melhorar a experiência de parir e nascer no País. Este artigo analisa o perfil e a experiência de parto de 555 mulheres que visitaram a exposição durante a gestação, com enfoque na percepção sobre violência obstétrica. A violência obstétrica foi reportada por 12,6% das mulheres e associada ao estado civil, à menor renda, à ausência de companheiro, ao parto em posição litotômica, à realização da manobra de Kristeller e à separação precoce do bebê após o parto. Predominaram nos relatos de violência obstétrica: intervenção não consentida/aceita com informações parciais, cuidado indigno/abuso verbal; abuso físico; cuidado não confidencial/privativo e discriminação. A visita à exposição aumentou o conhecimento das gestantes sobre violência obstétrica. Entretanto, o reconhecimento de procedimentos obsoletos ou danosos na assistência ao parto como violência obstétrica foi ainda baixo. Iniciativas como esta podem contribuir para ampliar o conhecimento e a mobilização social sobre as práticas na assistência ao parto e nascimento.

Abstract Excessive interventions during labor in Brazil have been reported as disrespect and abuse and contribute to neonatal and maternal morbidity and mortality. The Senses of Birth exhibition aims to encourage normal birth to promote health and improve the experience of childbirth in the country. This article describes the characteristics of 555 women who visited the exhibition during pregnancy and their perception of obstetric violence in childbirth. Obstetric violence was reported by 12.6% of the women, mostly low-income and unmarried. It was associated to lithotomic position and Kristeller maneuver during childbirth and non-immediate skin-to-skin contact with the baby. The main categories of obstetric violence reported were: not accepted interventions /accepted interventions on the basis of partial information (36.9%), undignified care / verbal abuse (33.0%); physical abuse (13.6%); non-confidential / non-privative care (2.9%) and discrimination (2.9%). Visiting the exhibition significantly increased pregnant women's knowledge about obstetric violence. However, recognition of obsolete or harmful practices as obstetric violence was still low. Initiatives such as Senses of Birth may contribute to increase knowledge and social mobilization to disseminate good practices in childbirth care.

Factores asociados a la calidad de la atención prenatal en Perú / Factors associated with the quality of prenatal care in Peru

RESUMEN Objetivo. Estimar la proporción de mujeres peruanas que recibieron un control prenatal (CPN) de calidad para el último parto de los últimos cinco años y determinar sus factores asociados. Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal analítico de la Encuesta Demográfica y de Salud Familiar 2017. Se calculó la proporción de CPN de calidad según número de CPN. Se estimaron razones de prevalencia crudas y ajustadas (RPa) de presentar un CPN de calidad. Resultados. Se analizaron datos de 18 156 mujeres, el 56,1% recibió un CPN de calidad. Recibir más CPN incrementó la probabilidad de recibir un CPN de calidad (49,6% y 59,9% para seis y ocho controles, respectivamente). Ser de la sierra (RPa=0,85; IC 95%: 0,80-0,91), vivir en la zona rural (RPa=0,94; IC 95%: 0,89-0,99) y pertenecer a una etnia nativa (RPa=0,72; IC 95%: 0,66-0,79) se asoció con un menor probabilidad de recibir un CPN de calidad. Tener educación secundaria (RPa=1,16; IC 95%: 1,10-1,22) y superior (RPa=1,15; IC 95%: 1,07-1,23), ser del quintil de riqueza 2 (RPa=1,15; IC 95%: 1,08-1,22), quintil 3 (RPa=1,18; IC 95%: 1,09-1,27), quintil 4 (RPa=1,16; IC 95%: 1,07-1,26) y quintil 5 (RPa=1,16; IC 95%: 1,05-1,28), ser del resto de la Costa (RPa=1,06; IC 95%: 1,00-1,12) y Selva (RPa=1,31; IC 95%: 1,24-1,39), tener una afiliación a un seguro de salud (RPa=1,24; IC 95%: 1,18-1,30), orden de nacimiento 2 a 3 (RPa=1,10; IC 95%:1,06-1,15) o ≥4 (RPa = 1,20; IC 95%:1,14-1,27) y haber recibido un CPN en el primer trimestre (RPa=1,20; IC 95%: 1,14-1,26) se relacionaba a una mayor probabilidad de recibir un CPN de calidad. Conclusiones. Cuatro de cada diez mujeres no recibieron un CPN de calidad. Ser mujer de etnia nativa o de la sierra o zona rural estuvo asociado a una mala calidad del CPN, requiriéndose priorización de estos grupos en las estrategias de salud materna.

ABSTRACT Objective . To estimate the proportion of Peruvian women who received quality prenatal care (PNC) for their last childbirth in the last five years and to determine its associated factors. Materials and Methods. Analytical cross-sectional study of the 2017 Demographic and Family Health Survey. The proportion of quality PNC was calculated based on the number of PNC control visits. Bivariate and adjusted prevalence ratios (PRa) of quality PNC were estimated. Results. Data from 18,156 women were analyzed; 56.1% received quality PNC. Receiving more PNC visits increased the likelihood of receiving quality PNC (49.6% and 59.9% for six and eight control visits, respectively). Being from the highlands (PRa=0.85; 95% CI: 0.80-0.91), living in rural areas (PRa=0.94; 95% CI: 0.89-0.99), and belonging to a native ethnic group (PRa=0.72; 95% CI: 0.66-0.79) was associated with a lower likelihood of receiving quality PNC. Having completed high-school (PRa=1.16; 95% CI: 1.10-1.22) and higher education (PRa=1.15; 95% CI: 1.07-1.23), being from the 2nd wealth quintile (PRa=1.15; 95% CI: 1.08-1.22), 3rd quintile (PRa=1.18; 95% CI: 1.09-1.27), 4th quintile (PRa=1.16; 95% CI: 1.07-1.26), and 5th quintile (PRa=1.16; 95% CI: 1.05-1.28); being from the rest of the Coast (PRa=1.06; 95% CI: 1.00-1.12) and Jungle (PRa=1.31; 95% CI: 1.24-1.39); being enrolled in health insurance (PRa=1.24; 95% CI: 1.18-1.30); birth order 2-3 (PRa=1.10; 95% CI: 1.06-1.15) or ≥4 (PRa=1.20; 95% CI: 1.14-1.27), and having received PNC in the first trimester (PRa=1.20, 95% CI: 1.14-1.26) was related to an increased likelihood of receiving quality PNC. Conclusions . Four out of ten women did not receive quality PNC, especially in women of native ethnicity or residents of the highlands or rural areas, groups that would require prioritization in maternal health strategies.

Avaliação das boas práticas de atenção ao parto por profissionais dos hospitais públicos do Distrito Federal, Brasil / Assessment of adherence to best practices in labor and childbirth care by care providers working in public hospitals in the Federal District of Brazil

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar a adesão às boas práticas de atenção ao parto e nascimento, entre médicos, enfermeiros e residentes dos programas de residência em obstetrícia, dos hospitais públicos do Distrito Federal (DF). Estudo transversal do tipo inquérito aplicado a profissionais em 11 hospitais públicos do DF de janeiro a março de 2015. Instrumento com 20 questões sociodemográficas e 39 itens do tipo escala Likert. Para análise estatística, os profissionais foram separados em 4 grupos (enfermeiros, enfermeiro residentes, médicos e médicos residentes). Foram também avaliados os escores de cada hospital estudado. A dimensão processo de trabalho apresentou os maiores escores em relação as demais dimensões. Na comparação entre os grupos e entre os hospitais não foram observadas diferenças significativas em nenhuma das dimensões. A maioria dos profissionais estimula o parto natural. É necessário reforçar as ações para maior adesão às boas práticas de atenção ao parto, tanto na organização da rede de serviços quanto nas atitudes e valores da formação dos novos profissionais de saúde.

Abstract Objective To assess adherence to best practices in labor and childbirth care by doctors, nurses, obstetric nursing residents, and obstetric medical residents working in public hospitals in the Federal District of Brazil. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted with care providers working in 11 public hospitals in the Federal District of Brazil between January and March 2015. A questionnaire containing 20 sociodemographic questions and 50 five-point Likert items was administered. The average scores of each group and each hospital were analyzed. Results Nurses obtained the highest scores for the use of evidence-based practices (57.8 ± 12.9), while doctors achieved the highest scores for the work process dimension (72 ± 8.5). Medical residents obtained the highest scores for organization of labor and childbirth care (56.5 ± 8.5). No statistically significant differences were found between groups. Hospital scores ranged from 55 to 64. No statistically significant differences were found between hospitals. Most professionals encourage natural childbirth. Conclusion It is necessary to strengthen actions to promote greater adherence to best care practices, both in relation to organization of labor and childbirth care and to the attitudes and values of health professionals.

Symposium on "parental education" at the ICCH17.

This symposium report provides a brief overview of the six programmes and studies on parental education and maternal health services within the circumpolar region presented in the symposium "parental education" at the 17th International Congress of Circumpolar Health in Copenhagen, Denmark, August 2018.

Pregnant-puerperal care in Network: the experience of nurses, doctors and administrators / Cuidado gravídico-puerperal en Red: el vivido de enfermeros, médicos y gestores / Cuidado gravídico-puerperal em Rede: o vivido de enfermeiros, médicos e gestores

ABSTRACT Objective: Understand the experience of nurses, doctors and administrators of pregnancy-puerperal cycle care to women in the Rede Mãe Paranaense (Freely translated as Paranaense Mother Network). Method: Qualitative research according to social phenomena with 44 professionals from 10 municipalities of the Regional of Health, in Paraná State, Brazil. The testimonies were recorded until converge and were analyzed following the steps established from the background. Results: It was understood a content of meaning experienced among different professional classes. The "motives why" in which the Network was a reasoned proposal to improve the mother care quality, although there is disarticulation in the planning and application. The expectation for "motives for" proved fragility and challenges to reach the goals and aims of the Network in the Primary Health Care practice. Final considerations: The Network reorganization was carried out, but there are gaps in the reference and counter-reference system, especially for the pregnancy and high risky childbirth and puerperal cycle.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Comprender la vivencia de enfermeros, médicos y gestores en el cuidado para la mujer en el ciclo gravídico-puerperal en la Red Madre del estado Paraná (Rede Mãe Paranaense). Método: Investigación cualitativa bajo la luz de la Fenomenología Social con 44 profesionales de 10 municipios de Regional de Salud, Paraná, Brasil. Los testimonios fueron grabados hasta alcanzar la convergencia y analizados cumpliendo los pasos establecidos del referencial. Resultados: Se captó un contexto de significados vivenciados entre las diferentes clases profesionales. Los "motivos por qué" en que la Red vino como una propuesta fundamentada para mejorar la calidad del cuidado materno, aunque haya desarticulación en la planificación e implementación. La expectativa de los "motivos para" evidenció fragilidades y desafíos para el logro de los objetivos y metas de la Red en el servicio de Atención Primaria en Salud. Consideraciones finales: La reestructuración de la red ocurrió, pero todavía hay lagunas en el sistema de referencia y contrarreferencia, en especial para la gestación y parto de alto riesgo y seguimiento puerperal.

RESUMO Objetivo: Compreender a vivência de enfermeiros, médicos e gestores no cuidado à mulher no ciclo gravídico-puerperal na Rede Mãe Paranaense. Método: Pesquisa qualitativa à luz da Fenomenologia Social com 44 profissionais de 10 municípios de Regional de Saúde, no Paraná, Brasil. Os depoimentos foram gravados até alcançar a convergência e analisados cumprindo os passos estabelecidos do referencial. Resultados: Apreendeu-se um contexto de significados vivenciados entre as diferentes classes profissionais. Os "motivos por que" em que a Rede veio como uma proposta fundamentada para melhorar a qualidade do cuidado materno, embora haja desarticulação no planejamento e implementação. A expectativa dos "motivos para" evidenciou fragilidades e desafios para o alcance dos objetivos e metas da Rede no serviço de Atenção Primária à Saúde. Considerações finais: A reestruturação da Rede ocorreu, mas ainda há lacunas no sistema de referência e contrarreferência, em especial para a gestação e o parto de alto risco e seguimento puerperal.

Improving postpartum screening after diabetes in pregnancy: Results of a pilot study in remote Australia.

BACKGROUND: The postpartum period is a critical time to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal women, particularly for those who have chronic conditions. AIMS: To assess enhanced support methods (for women following diabetes in pregnancy (DIP)) to improve completion rates of recommended postpartum health checks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-three Aboriginal women in the Northern Territory (NT) were contacted in the postpartum period to encourage medical check-ups. Messages were delivered through phone (call or text messages) or other methods (Facebook or email). The primary outcome was postpartum blood glucose testing (oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT), random or fasting glucose and HbA1c). RESULTS: Establishing contact with women was difficult. Of 137 messages sent to 52 women, 22 responded (42%). Phone was the most common contact method with successful contact made from 16 of 119 (13%) attempts. Rates of postpartum OGTT completion were higher in the group successfully contacted (32% vs 7%). However, for any postpartum glucose testing (including OGTT and HbA1c) rates were 25 of 42 (60%) and neither success in making contact nor the contact method was associated with higher rates. CONCLUSIONS: The small sample size limits our conclusions; however, results highlight that engaging remote women postpartum is difficult. While rates of postpartum OGTT completion differed according to successful contacts, rates of any postpartum blood glucose testing did not. Further research is needed to explore feasible intervention methods to improve postpartum screening after a pregnancy complicated by diabetes.

Experiencias de mujeres sobrevivientes a morbilidad materna extrema en México, un estudio cualitativo desde el modelo de las tres demoras / Experiences of survivors of maternal near miss in Mexico: a qualitative study based on the three delays model / Experiências de mulheres sobreviventes à morbidade materna extrema em México: um estudo qualitativo partindo do modelo das três demoras

Resumen: El objetivo fue analizar las experiencias de sobrevivientes de morbilidad materna extrema, para desde el enfoque de las tres demoras, identificar los determinantes que obstaculizan este proceso en el estado de San Luis Potosí, México. Durante 2016-2017, se realizó un estudio cualitativo con 27 mujeres que vivieron un evento de este tipo entre 2014 y 2016 en hospitales públicos. Las informantes fueron seleccionadas mediante muestreo teórico y entrevistadas en sus domicilios. El análisis de datos se realizó desde la propuesta de teoría fundamentada de Strauss & Corbin, las categorías asociadas con la primera demora fueron: (1) oportunidades pérdidas para la identificación de morbilidad materna extrema, (2) temor de comunicar el malestar frente a la descalificación, (3) entre el miedo y la fe en que algo superior resolverá, (4) desarrollo de la percepción del riesgo obstétrico. Con la segunda demora: (1) falta de ordenamiento urbano para el traslado, (2) ausencia de regulación de costos del traslado, (3) falta de claridad sobre los itinerarios y rutas críticas para acceder a la atención, (4) coordinación institucional para el traslado oportuno; y finalmente con la tercera: (1) rechazo institucional, (2) deficiencias de infraestructura, personal y equipo, y (3) entre la experiencia y la falta de ella del personal de salud. Las experiencias compartidas evidencian retos en materia de política pública y trabajo intersectorial para mejorar los resultados en materia de morbilidad materna extrema.

Abstract: The objectives were to analyze the experiences of survivors of maternal near miss based on the three delays model and to identify the obstacles to this process in the state of San Luis Potosí, Mexico. In 2016-2017, a qualitative study was performed with 27 women who had experienced maternal near miss in public hospitals between 2014 and 2016. The informants were selected with theoretical sampling and interviewed at their homes. Data analysis was based on the theoretical framework proposed by Strauss & Corbin. The categories associated with the first delay were: (1) missed opportunities for identification of maternal near miss; (2) failure of the women to voice their symptoms out of fear of reprimand; (3) dilemma between fear and the faith that a higher power will solve the problem; and (4) development of the perception of obstetric risk. The second delay involved: (1) lack of urban transportation infrastructure to access healthcare services; (2) lack of regulation of transportation costs; (3) lack of clarity on itineraries and critical routes to access care; and (4) lack institutional coordination for timely transportation. The third delay involved: (1) institutional refusal of care; (2) deficient infrastructure, personnel, and equipment; and (3) lack of expertise and experience in the healthcare personnel. The shared experiences reveal challenges for public policies and inter-sector work to improve the results in maternal near miss.

Resumo: O objetivo foi analisar as experiências de sobreviventes de morbidade materna extrema para, a partir da abordagem das três demoras, identificar os determinantes que obstaculizam esse processo no estado de San Luis Potosí, México. No período 2016-2017 foi efetuado um estudo qualitativo com 27 mulheres que experimentaram um evento deste tipo, entre 2014 e 2016, em hospitais públicos. As informantes foram selecionadas por meio de uma amostragem teórica e foram entrevistadas em seus domicílios. A análise de dados foi feita através da proposta da teoria fundamentada de Strauss & Corbin, as categorias associadas com a primeira demora foram: (1) oportunidades perdidas para a identificação de morbidade materna extrema, (2) temor em comunicar o mal estar frente à desqualificação, (3) entre o medo e a fé aguardando em que algo superior achará a solução, (4) desenvolvimento da percepção do risco obstétrico. Com a segunda demora: (1) falta de infraestrutura urbana para a transferência, (2) ausência de regulação de custos de transferência, (3) falta de transparência acerca dos itinerários e rumos críticos para acessar ao atendimento, (4) coordenação institucional para a transferência oportuna; e finalmente com a terceira: (1) rejeição institucional, (2) deficiências da infraestrutura, equipe e equipamento, e (3) entre a esperteza e a falta de experiência da equipe de saúde. As experiências compartilhadas evidenciam desafios ao respeito de política pública e trabalho intersetorial para melhorar os resultados em matéria de morbidade materna extrema.

Mortalidade no primeiro dia de vida: tendências, causas de óbito e evitabilidade em oito Unidades da Federação brasileira, entre 2010 e 2015 / Mortalidad en el primer día de vida: tendencias, causas de muerte y evitabilidad en ocho Unidades de la Federación brasileña, entre 2010 y 2015 / Mortality on the first day of life: trends, causes of death and avoidability in eight Brazilian Federative Units, between 2010 and 2015

Objetivo: calcular taxas de mortalidade no primeiro dia de vida entre 2010 e 2015 em oito Unidades da Federação brasileira com melhor qualidade de informação, avaliar fatores associados e classificar os óbitos segundo causa básica e evitabilidade. Métodos: estudo descritivo; as taxas foram comparadas conforme características maternas e da criança; a análise de evitabilidade usou a 'Lista brasileira de causas de mortes evitáveis'. Resultados: 21,6% (n=20.791) dos óbitos infantis ocorreram no primeiro dia de vida; a taxa de mortalidade reduziu-se de 2,7 para 2,3 óbitos/1.000 nascidos vivos; observaram-se maiores taxas em NV com baixo peso, nascidos pré-termo e filhos de mães sem escolaridade; as principais causas dos óbitos foram síndrome da angústia respiratória (8,9%) e imaturidade extrema (5,2%); 66,3% das causas de óbito foram consideradas evitáveis. Conclusão: dois terços dos óbitos no primeiro dia de vida poderiam ser evitados por atenção adequada à mulher na gestação e no parto, e ao NV.

Objetivo: calcular la mortalidad en el primer día de vida entre 2010 y 2015 en ocho Unidades de la Federación brasileña con mejor calidad de información, analizar factores asociados y clasificar las causas básicas y la evitabilidad de los óbitos. Métodos: estudio descriptivo; las tasas de mortalidad fueron comparadas según las características maternas y del recién nacido (RN); el análisis de evitabilidad utilizó la 'Lista brasileña de causas de muertes evitables'. Resultados: un 21,6% (n=20.791) de los óbitos infantiles ocurrió en el primer día de vida; la tasa de mortalidad se redujo de 2,7 a 2,3 óbitos/1.000 nacidos vivos (NV); las tasas fueron mayores en NV de bajo peso, prematuros e hijos de madres sin escolaridad; las principales causas de óbito fueron síndrome de angustia respiratoria (8,9%) e inmadurez extrema (5,2%); un 66,3% de las causas de óbito fueron consideradas evitables. Conclusión: 2/3 de los óbitos en el primer día de vida podrían haber sido evitados con una atención adecuada a la mujer embarazada, al parto y al NV.

Objective: to calculate mortality rates on the first day of life from 2010 to 2015 in eight Brazilian Federative Units providing better quality information, to assess associated factors and to classify deaths by underlying causes and avoidability. Methods: this was a descriptive study; mortality rates were compared according to maternal and child characteristics; avoidability analysis used the 'Brazilian list of avoidable causes of death'. Results: 21.6% (n=20,791) of all infant deaths occurred on the first day of life; the mortality rate reduced from 2.7 to 2.3 deaths/1,000 live births; rates were higher in live births with low birthweight and preterm births, and among babies born to mothers with no schooling; main causes of death were respiratory distress syndrome (8.9%) and extreme immaturity (5.2%); 66.3% of causes of death were avoidable. Conclusion: 2/3 of deaths on the first day of life could have been avoided with adequate care for women during pregnancy and delivery and adequate care for live births.