Experiences of health workers in Kapchorwa district in conducting perinatal death reviews: A qualitative study.

Abstract

Introduction: Perinatal death reviews are a widely recommended intervention to achieve the sustainable development goal of ending preventable perinatal deaths because it has been proven to contribute to up to a 30% reduction of perinatal mortality. This study aimed at exploring the health workers’ and health system factors that influence perinatal death reviews in Kapchorwa district. Methods: A qualitative approach was used to explore the implementation of perinatal death reviews in 3 Health Centre III’s, 1 Hospital and among 9 Health Workers. Data were collected in the period of December 2021 to June 2022 through 1 Focus group discussion, 3 random group discussions and 9 key informant interviews who were purposively selected as information rich members of the PDSR committees. Upon transcription and coding, emerging themes were presented in tables and analyzed theme after theme using MS word software. Results: Perinatal death review is implemented at the hospital with a coverage of 57.4% and not implemented at the district and health centre III levels. A functional PDSR committee: 2) Adequate staff numbers that allow for mix of cadres: 3) Capacity of the health workers to conduct the reviews (Trainings, knowledge), and: 4) Financial ability of the institution/system to support implementation of recommendations were the factors that enable or prevent reviews from being conducted. Conclusion: Perinatal death reviews are implemented where committees are available and functional. However, staffing norms and financial incentives are necessary to achieve a complete cycle of implementation.