Management of preterm birth using protocols in a low resource setting.

BACKGROUND: Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal deaths and the second leading cause of death in children under five after pneumonia. The study aimed at improving the management of preterm birth through the development of protocols for standardization of care.

METHODS: The study was conducted in Mulago National Referral Labor ward in two phases. A total of 360 case files were reviewed and mothers whose files had missing data interviewed for clarity for both the baseline audit and the re-audit. Chi squares were used to compare results for the baseline and the re-audit.

RESULTS: There was significant improvement in four parameters out of the six that were used to assess quality of care and these were 32% increase in administration of Dexamethasone for fetal lung maturity, 27% increase in administration of Magnesium Sulphate for fetal neuroprotection and 23% increase in anti-biotic administration. A 14% reduction noted in patients who received no intervention. However, there was no change in the administration of Tocolytic.

CONCLUSION: The results of this study have shown that protocols standardize care and improve the quality of care in preterm delivery to optimize outcomes.