Integrated Perinatal Care
The Programme has done important development work over the past year. In the beginning the provision of medical equipment for obstetric and neonatology services was in focus. Then, in the late 90-s, the Programme was re-oriented towards training programmes and the modernisation of clinical protocols. The Programme experts have introduced the concept of “essential perinatal service package” in Ukraine. This approach aims to define the essential services for each level of perinatal care. As a practical tool, it helps to share the responsibilities of care providers and plan the resources. Overall, the “service package” has been highly appreciated by the authorities and the clinical specialists.
A working group composed of Ukrainian and international experts has developed the concept of clinical practice guidelines on the basis of international scientific evidence as the alternative to MoH ‘nakaz’ (orders). This group has also elaborated several guidelines for obstetrical and neonatal care.
Ukrainian and international experts of the Programme have delivered an array of training courses at all levels of perinatal care. Obstetricians, neonatologists, anaesthesiologists, family doctors and midwifes from different oblasts have attended these trainings organized in an interactive, case-study format. This has been instrumental in modernising perinatal practice with the aim to avoid medical errors and to improve the overall quality of health services.
In the collaboration with WHO experts, the working group on the basis of Volyn Children hospital has worked on the concept and software of “Integrated Health Technology Package” (www.ihtp.info). This tool helps to plan and calculate different types of resources needed to provide perinatal services. As such it assists health planners to optimise the performance and quality of health services.
The Programme has also facilitated the collaboration of different health service providers. For example, the referral of pregnant women and neonates to the appropriate level of care had been reorganised through new protocols and related training courses.
Attention has also been paid to the provision of appropriate medical equipment for all levels of perinatal care. Further, the maintenance capacities for equipment have been strengthened in the frame of Health Technology Management component.
