Networks of Care: An Approach to Improving Maternal and Newborn Health

Abstract

The Networks of Care approach has the potential to harmonize existing strategies and optimize health systems functions for maternal and newborn health, thereby strengthening the quality of care and ultimately improving outcomes.

Networks of care to strengthen primary healthcare in resource constrained settings

“…12 Building on this definition, a landscape review led by WHO, identified key structural and relational elements of networks working to improve maternal and newborn healthcare (fig 1). 13 Networks of care share characteristics with other approaches that target the organisation of a health system to improve performance. For example, networks may be nested within district health systems but also include links to tertiary care facilities or may cross administrative boundaries.…”

“…They were defined as “a group of public and/or private health service delivery sites deliberately interconnected through an administrative and clinical management model which promotes a structure and culture that prioritizes client-centered, effective, efficient operation and collaborative learning, enabling providers across all levels of care, not excluding the community, to work in teams and share responsibility for health outcomes.”12 Building on this definition, a landscape review led by WHO, identified key structural and relational elements of networks working to improve maternal and newborn healthcare (fig 1). 13…”

“…Key components of a network of care: structural and relational elements, goals, and potential effect on maternal and newborn health. Adapted from a figure by Kalaris et al13…”

“…For example, the ability of the Dar es Salaam network to provide high quality care was affected by Key components of a network of care: structural and relational elements, goals, and potential effect on maternal and newborn health. Adapted from a figure by Kalaris et al13 on 26 March 2023 by guest. Protected by copyright.…”

Nurturing and Optimizing Networks of Care to Maximize Benefits to Patients, Health Workers, and Health Systems

“…In a commentary summarizing a landscape review of Networks of Care conducted by the World Health Organization, Kalaris et al 1 argue that Networks of Care can improve quality and continuity of care and strengthen health systems functions by improving relationships between different providers—and that all these improvements will accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.…”