Barriers and enablers to routine register data collection for newborns and mothers: EN-BIRTH multi-country validation study

Abstract

Background Policymakers need regular high-quality coverage data on care around the time of birth to accelerate progress for ending preventable maternal and newborn deaths and stillbirths. With increasing facility births, routine Health Management Information System (HMIS) data have potential to track coverage. Identifying barriers and enablers faced by frontline health workers recording HMIS source data in registers is important to improve data for use. Methods The EN-BIRTH study was a mixed-methods observational study in five hospitals in Bangladesh, Nepal and Tanzania to assess measurement validity for selected Every Newborn coverage indicators. We described data elements required in labour ward registers to track these indicators. To evaluate barriers and enablers for correct recording of data in registers, we designed three interview tools: a) semi-structured in-depth interview (IDI) guide b) semi-structured focus group discussion (FGD) guide, and c) checklist assessing care-to-documentation. We interviewed two groups of respondents (January 2018–March 2019): hospital nurse-midwives and doctors who fill ward registers after birth (n = 40 IDI and n = 5 FGD); and data collectors (n = 65). Qualitative data were analysed thematically by categorising pre-identified codes. Common emerging themes of barriers or enablers across all five hospitals were identified relating to three conceptual framework categories. Results Similar themes emerged as both barriers and enablers. First, register design was recognised as crucial, yet perceived as complex, and not always standardised for necessary data elements. Second, register filling was performed by over-stretched nurse-midwives with variable training, limited supervision, and availability of logistical resources. Documentation complexity across parallel documents was time-consuming and delayed because of low staff numbers. Complete data were valued more than correct data. Third, use of register data included clinical handover and monthly reporting, but little feedback was given from data users. Conclusion Health workers invest major time recording register data for maternal and newborn core health indicators. Improving data quality requires standardised register designs streamlined to capture only necessary data elements. Consistent implementation processes are also needed. Two-way feedback between HMIS levels is critical to improve performance and accurately track progress towards agreed health goals.

Neonatal resuscitation: EN-BIRTH multi-country validation study

“…Qualitative data collection tools for focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were informed by the Performance of Routine Information System Management Series (PRISM) conceptual framework [26]. Detailed qualitative methods and overall results are available in an associated paper [27]. A purposive sample of nurses, midwives, doctors, and EN-BIRTH data collectors from each of the five hospitals participated.…”

Uterotonics for prevention of postpartum haemorrhage: EN-BIRTH multi-country validation study

“…Despite WHO recommendations for universal access to prophylactic uterotonics, there are no nationally representative data to track coverage and quality of this intervention [6,7]. EN-BIRTH is the largest measurement validation study [32]. The bold text are the issues specific to uterotonics administration.…”

“…Respondents also completed a checklist regarding: who usually gives the uterotonic, documents care, which documents uterotonics are recorded in, the order documentation occurs, and estimations of how long after birth uterotonics are documented. More information is available within this supplement [32].…”

“…We identified three categories under which to group emerging themes regarding barriers and enablers to routine recording of uterotonic administration in hospital registers: 1) Register or system design; 2) Register filling or completion; 3) Register use (Fig. 8) [32].…”

Count every newborn: EN-BIRTH study improving facility-based coverage and quality measurement in routine information systems

“…The overall validation results from EN-BIRTH are published separately [14]. This supplement starts with three papers on measurement systems covering: EN-BIRTH electronic data collection [15], survey-report for validity of 33 indicators [16], and barriers/enablers to recording in routine registers [17]. Subsequent papers detail findings for the following maternal and newborn coverage indicators: uterotonics to prevent postpartum haemorrhage [18], immediate newborn care including breastfeeding practices [19], chlorhexidine for umbilical cord care [20], neonatal resuscitation [21], KMC [22], neonatal infection antibiotic management [23].…”