Knowledge and utilization of the partograph among obstetric care givers in South West Nigeria

This cross-sectional study assessed knowledge and utilization of the partograph among health care workers in southwestern Nigeria. Respondents were selected by multi-stage sampling method from primary; secondary and tertiary level care. 719 respondents comprising of CHEWS - 110 (15.3); Auxiliary Nurses - 148 (20.6); Nurse/Midwives - 365 (50.6); Physicians - 96 (13.4) were selected from primary (38.2); secondary (39.1) and tertiary levels (22.7). Only 32.3used the partograph to monitor women in labour. Partograph use was reported significantly more frequently by respondents in tertiary level compared with respondents from primary/secondary levels of care (82.4vs. 19.3; X2 = 214.6; p 0.0001). Only 37.3of respondents who were predominantly from the tertiary level of care could correctly mention at least one component of the partograph (X2 = 139.1; p 0.0001). The partograph is utilized mainly in tertiary health facilities; knowledge about the partograph is poor. Though affordable; the partograph is commonly not used to monitor the Nigerian woman in labour

Evaluation of criteria-based clinical audit in improving quality of obstetric care in a developing country hospital

Study evaluated criteria­based clinical audit in measuring and improving quality of obstetric care for five life-threatening obstetric complications: obstetric haemorrhage, eclampsia, genital tract infections, obstructed labor and uterine rupture. Clinical management of 65 patients was audited using a 'before (Phase I) and after (Phase II)' audit cycle design using standard criteria. Following Phase I, areas in need of improvement were identified; mechanisms for improving quality of care were identified and implemented. Overall care of the complications improved significantly in obstetric haemorrhage (61 to 81%, p = 0.000), eclampsia (54.3 to 90%, p=0.00), obstructed labour (81.7 to 93.5%, p<0.001) and genital tract sepsis (66 to 85.2%, p < 0.01). Clinical monitoring, drug use, and urgent attention by senior medial staff also improved significantly after intervention. Criteria-based clinical audit is feasible and acceptable for improving management of life-threatening obstetric complications. Its application is recommended in health institutions in developing countries (Afr J Reprod Health 2008; 12[3]:59-70)