Leveraging Quality Improvement (QI) systems to save mothers

12 December 2024

The competency and skills of 74 frontline healthcare workers were built to apply quality improvement methodology to improve the delivery of maternal care along the continuum of care- from antenatal period to labor and delivery and postpartum period. The three-day engaging peer-to-peer learning session took place from December 9–11, 2024 at Dover Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

✨ Key Highlights:
💡 Hands-on application of QI tools and techniques- 5 WHYs, Fishbone Analysis & Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle.
📋 Didactic learnings on the use of maternal service enhancing tools – Quality ANC checklist, Labor Care Guide and Referral tools
🧠 Collaborative knowledge sharing- Context specific application of learnings for best result

Oduwole Bosede (Director Sarryat Memmat-Maternity Home) – “ I understood the need improve the standard of care we provide to our clients, one of the ways we plan to do this is by working on the quality of ANC services, make sure the necessary tests are done at each visit and proper documentation is done”.
Ajayi Catherine (Apex Nurse, Ikotun/Igando):

“The sessions on two-way referral taught me the importance of referral documentation. With the referral form provided by Project Aisha, I plan to ensure that all referrals are recorded. We will also create a referral register to document information about all referred women, including their feedback.”

Olokodana Abiola (Assistant MOH, Igando-Ikotun LCDA):

“I find it very interesting that the model for improvement can be applied even in our daily lives. I can set an aim and measure it to determine if the change ideas are factors influencing improvement. Ensuring that measures are calculated is one of my major takeaways. We plan to work on the three indicators—Quality ANC, two-way referral, and the new tool taught (Labor Guide). Additionally, we will conduct proper audits and ensure that all healthcare workers are informed about the importance of measuring the changes implemented.”

The scale-up of the Maternal Health Quality Improvement to Alimosho and Agege LGA is part of the efforts of Project Aisha to reduce maternal deaths and obstetric complications in Lagos state. Project Aisha is funded by MSD for Mothers and is being implemented by 4 consortium partners HSDF, IHI, mDoc and Ingress Health Partners.

Together, we’re not just dreaming of safer pregnancies—we’re making it a reality! 💪🌍