Evaluation Of Public Private Partnership Model for Newborn Care Services at Trust Hospitals in High Priority Talukas of Gujarat, India

Abstract

Introduction: This study evaluated performance of Public Private Partnership (PPP) model adopted to improve infant mortality.

Methodology: For quantitative assessment, analysis of data from labor room records and Newborn Stabilization Unit (NBSU)/ Specialized Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) records, availability and training status of human resource and availability and functional status of equipment. For qualitative assessment, all specialist Doctors and Staff Nurses at all four Trust Hospitals were assessed for knowledge and skills.

Result: Most of the equipment critical for running NBSU/ SNCU were available and functional. Higher admission rate in SNCU were seen in two Hospitals where full time Pediatrician was available. There was high variation for the neonatal mortality, referral and Left Against Medical Advice (LAMA) among four hospitals, with no information regarding outcome among referrals and LAMA neonates. Most of the healthcare providers scored moderate to good in knowledge and skill assessment with wide inter-hospital variation.

Conclusion: Utilization and effectiveness of NBSU/ SNCU depends on availability of specialist doctors and para-medical staff, their training and skills and well equipped facility. The centers need to work in close coordination with local public health officers for following up neonates in the field.