Evaluation of the home-based maternal record: a WHO collaborative study

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Maternal and Child Health
• Health Services Research

Background:

• The home-based maternal record (HBMR) is a tool designed to improve maternal and child healthcare.
• Effective implementation requires adaptation to local contexts and resources.
• Community health worker involvement is crucial for successful integration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of the home-based maternal record (HBMR) on maternal and child healthcare utilization and outcomes.
• To assess the HBMR's effectiveness in promoting self-care and identifying at-risk pregnancies and newborns.
• To understand the factors influencing the successful implementation of the HBMR.

Main Methods:

• A collaborative study involving thirteen centres in eight countries.
• Evaluation of the HBMR's impact on healthcare service utilization and continuity.
• Assessment of HBMR's role in promoting self-care, risk identification, and referral.

Main Results:

• The HBMR positively impacted healthcare service utilization and continuity for women.
• Adapted HBMR promoted maternal self-care, timely identification of at-risk cases, and referrals.
• Increased diagnosis and referral of at-risk pregnant women and infants, improved family planning, health education, and tetanus toxoid immunization.

Conclusions:

• The home-based maternal record (HBMR) is an effective tool for enhancing maternal and child healthcare.
• Local adaptation, coupled with health personnel training and involvement, is key to the HBMR's success.
• The HBMR improves community-based data collection and strengthens referral networks.