Using systematized tacit knowledge to prioritize implementation challenges in existing maternal health programs:...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Systems Research
• Knowledge Management

Background:

• Reducing maternal mortality is critical post-2015.
• Identifying local implementation challenges is essential for effective maternal health programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and advantages of a systematized tacit knowledge approach for identifying maternal health program implementation challenges.
• To inform post-Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 2015 maternal health strategies.

Main Methods:

• Formation of communities of practice with maternal health personnel in Mexico and Nicaragua.
• Utilizing online concept mapping to systematize and prioritize tacit knowledge on implementation problems.
• Participants engaged in workshops and online activities to build capacity in research application and knowledge systematization.

Main Results:

• 231 participants registered, with 200 completing concept mapping activities.
• Significant similarity found between Mexican and Nicaraguan results.
• Quality of healthcare emerged as a high-priority implementation problem, with good feasibility for solutions.

Conclusions:

• A rigorously organized tacit knowledge approach is feasible and useful for prioritizing implementation challenges in maternal health.
• This method can effectively inform strategic priority setting for post-MDG maternal health agendas.
• Focusing on quality of healthcare improvements is crucial for successful maternal health program implementation.