Providing optimal care in the neonatal care units in India: How Covid-19 exacerbated existing barriers

Lisa Messersmith1, Cherryl Kolhe2, Alyana Ladha1

  • 1Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America.

PubMed

Insights

The Covid-19 pandemic worsened challenges in India

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal care
  • Public health
  • Pandemic impact

Background:

  • India accounts for nearly a quarter of global neonatal deaths annually.
  • Neonatal care units were established to reduce mortality, but challenges persist.
  • The Covid-19 pandemic has severely impacted neonatal care services.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify barriers and facilitators in providing optimal neonatal care.
  • To understand the specific challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • To explore individual, facility, and systems-level issues affecting neonatal care.

Main Methods:

  • Qualitative study conducted in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra.
  • Seven focus group discussions with nurses and pediatric residents.
  • 35 key informant interviews with healthcare professionals, equipment personnel, and Ministry officials.

Main Results:

  • Covid-19 exacerbated pre-existing barriers to neonatal care.
  • Newborn care units faced increased staffing shortages due to diversion of staff to Covid-19 wards.
  • Essential neonatal equipment and trained personnel were redirected to Covid-19 patient care.
  • Disruption of regular training left neonatal nursing staff lacking essential skills.
  • Infection control measures were further compromised by the pandemic.

Conclusions:

  • The Covid-19 pandemic significantly heightened challenges in providing optimal neonatal care.
  • Diversion of critical resources and trained staff to Covid-19 care created substantial obstacles.
  • Barriers at individual, facility, and systems levels persist and will continue to challenge neonatal care.

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