NEWSROOM
Our monthly series of webinars focuses on Quality Improvement in frontline healthcare, and this month is no exception. We’re delving into the crucial role that leadership and governance play in driving continuous quality improvement within health systems.
Our monthly series of webinars focuses on Quality Improvement in frontline healthcare, and this month is no exception. We’re delving into the crucial role that leadership and governance play in driving continuous quality improvement within health systems.
In an exemplary effort to elevate maternal and newborn health, the maternity department at Machinjiri Health Centre identified a critical issue—a lack of initial examination for newborns at the facility. This challenge was first identified in July 2023 through an extensive data review analysis, with the baseline showing a startling 0% compliance rate. This dire situation was in stark contrast to the established standard, which dictates that all newborns must undergo an initial examination before being discharged from the labour ward. Vincent Samuel, a nurse midwife technician admits, “We noted that we do not do an initial examination of newborn babies soon after delivery. In order to avoid complications, we came up with this project to assess the babies after birth.”
In the frontline of healthcare, heroes sometimes wear white coats and stethoscopes instead of capes. Dr Aisha Mohamed Mwatuwano is one such hero who dedicated her time and expertise to uplift the lives of countless individuals in Nyandarua County. Her mission is to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and improve primary healthcare for hypertensive and diabetic patients. This tale is a testament to the power of one person’s determination to bring about transformative change.
While QI is a new space, ACQUIRE is leading in documenting how frontline QI initiatives impact the frontline. Frontline-led QI is a paradigm shift. It’s a continuous process of assessing, refining and enhancing every aspect of patient care, from diagnosis to treatment. It’s about making healthcare safer, more responsive, and profoundly effective.
Meet Sheba Mohammad and Nadia Aliyan, two healthcare advocates on a mission to revolutionize patient safety through the refinement of prescribing practices. As patient guardians, they recognized that one of the most critical avenues to enhance patient welfare lies in addressing prescription-based errors, a persistent peril within the healthcare landscape.
In a remarkable effort to elevate maternity care and improve the overall well-being of expectant mothers, Nasawa Health Centre’s maternity department embarked on a mission to address a persistent issue—a thorough assessment of antenatal care (ANC) waiting for women during their waiting period. The situation, where almost all pregnant women in the ANC waiting area were not receiving the necessary assessments, posed a significant challenge to maternal and neonatal health. This concern came to light in October 2022 during a data review meeting, prompting action.
Frontline healthcare professionals at Malawi’s Ndamera Health Centre’s labour ward attempted to address the problem of incomplete partograph paperwork, which has been there since January 2022, to improve the standard of care during labour and delivery. It was found that just 20% of the time partograph parameters get properly documented, which raised concerns about supportive supervision and data checks.
At the heart of Nyandarua County’s JM Kariuki Memorial County Referral Hospital, an exceptional team led by the dedicated Michael Ruitururi has embarked on a transformative mission. Their objective is as straightforward as it is profound: to enhance the screening process for diabetes nephropathy among patients at the hospital’s outpatient clinic. In a world where approximately 843 million individuals battle nephropathy, and where Kenya witnesses a staggering 35.3% prevalence of this condition among diabetic patients, the stakes are undeniable.
In a world where patient engagement is pivotal for healthcare improvements, Surgeons001 initiated the “Ziwa Zima” (Healthy Breast) campaign to empower patients with knowledge and support for early breast cancer detection. The campaign was more than just raising awareness; it was about recognizing that patients’ voices are invaluable in the quest for better patient safety and healthcare outcomes.
In the intricate world of healthcare, the laboratory department often operates behind the scenes, yet its pivotal role in patient care cannot be overstated. While laboratory personnel may not have face-to-face interactions with patients, their work forms a critical part of the healthcare process, making them the silent custodians of patient health.
The significance of proper healthcare waste management cannot be overstated, and it’s a challenge that medium-level hospitals in Kenya grapple with. Kaizen, a philosophy of continuous quality improvement, is the driving force behind this remarkable transformation.
Excellence in Frontline Healthcare