Effect of WHO-SCC based intra-department mentoring program on quality of intrapartum care in public sector secondary hospitals in Andhra Pradesh, India: Pre-post mixed methods evaluation.

Quality of intrapartum care is essential for improving pregnancy outcomes; several models for improving performance are tested, globally. Dakshata is one such WHO SCC-based national program-improving resources, providers' competence, and accountability-in public sector secondary care hospitals of India. Andhra Pradesh state devised strategy of mentoring by the handpicked member from within the obstetric team, supported by external technical partner. We evaluated the effectiveness and assessed contextual factors to success of the program. We conducted pre and post mentoring mixed-method surveys to evaluate the change in evidence-based intrapartum and newborn care practices and stillbirth rates, across 23 of 38 eligible hospitals. We directly observed obstetric assessments and childbirth, extracted data from casesheets and registers, interviewed beneficiaries and conducted facility surveys. We in-depth interviewed stakeholders from state, district and facility managers, mentors and obstetric staff, and external managers for theory-driven qualitative assessment. After one year we found, average adherence to practices sustained high during admission (81%, 81%); improved during childbirth (78%, 86%; p = 0.016); moderate within one hour of birth (72%, 71%), and poor postpartum care before discharge (46% to 43%). Stillbirths reduced from 11(95% CI, 9-13) to 4(3-5) per 1000 births (p<0.001). Some practices did not improve even after sustained reinforcement. Commitment from state, engaging district officers, monitoring and feedback by external managers enabled supportive setting. The structured training and mentoring package, and periodic assessments delivered under supervision ensured the standards of mentoring. The mentoring model is acceptable, effective, less costly and scalable; appears sustainable if state commits to institutionalising a long-term mentoring with adequate monitoring. We conclude that the SCC-based mentoring and skill building program showed improvement in practices during childbirth while it sustained high levels of care during admission, but no improvement in postpartum care. The state needs to monitor and ensure continuous mentoring with required infrastructural support.