To enhance perinatal care and reduce neonatal mortality in Rwanda through a multiphase quality improvement program.
Approach:
Program Implementation: The program was implemented across 21 hospitals, focusing on in situ clinical training and mentorship for healthcare providers, alongside hospital-led quality improvement processes.
Evaluation Methodology: Changes in neonatal quality of care and mortality were evaluated using structured facility baseline assessments, program-specific quality indicators, and Health Management Information System data.
Key Findings:
Neonatal mortality among newborns admitted to neonatal units decreased from 11.8% in 2017 to 6.2% in 2023, representing a 47.5% reduction.
Interpretation:
The program demonstrated significant improvements in neonatal care quality and mortality rates, highlighting the effectiveness of integrated training and mentorship.
Limitations:
The evaluation was limited to 12 hospitals with continuous neonatal data available.
Conclusion:
The partnership and program design facilitated local capacity building and sustainability of quality improvement initiatives in perinatal care.
by Lisine Tuyisenge, Jean-Petit Habonimana, Alexis Nsengiyumva, Francois Regis Cyiza, Emmanuel Manzi, Samson Desie, Alexandra Pledge, Sarah McMurtrie, Clemence Muzard-Banes, Marie Bontoux, Sebastian Taylor
