Implementation research to develop an optimized delivery model for effective implementation of evidence-based...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Implementation Science
• Maternal Health

Background:

• Stillbirth remains a significant public health concern in India, despite reported rate decreases.
• Inconsistent data collection and fragmented interventions hinder effective stillbirth reduction strategies.
• High-quality antenatal and intrapartum care are crucial for reducing stillbirth rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore effective strategies for improving the delivery and uptake of high-quality antenatal and intrapartum care.
• To develop a scalable and sustainable model for stillbirth reduction in India.
• To address critical gaps in stillbirth prevention within diverse Indian regions.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-method, multi-site study in India conducted in three phases: formative, development, and scale-up.
• Utilizing implementation science frameworks (CFIR, RE-AIM) to identify barriers and facilitators.
• Employing quasi-experimental design, community surveys, verbal autopsies, and facility assessments to evaluate effectiveness and estimate burden.

Main Results:

• Development of a scalable, sustainable intervention package and delivery model for stillbirth reduction.
• Robust estimation of stillbirth burden, timing, and risk factors across study sites.
• Economic evaluation of comprehensive package implementation costs.

Conclusions:

• This study addresses a critical public health gap in stillbirth reduction in India.
• The project aims to develop a comprehensive, replicable model integrating interventions with implementation challenges.
• A successful model has the potential to significantly improve stillbirth prevention in low-resource settings.