Evaluation of the quality of the audit of maternal and neonatal deaths at the Ténenkou reference health center from 2018 to 2022

Abstract

Introduction: Audits of maternal and neonatal deaths help to improve the quality of care and prevent further deaths in mothers and children if standards are met. The aim of our study was to evaluate the quality of the maternal and neonatal death audit at the Ténenkou Reference Health Center (CSRéf). Methodology: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive mixed-methods study on the quality of the audit of maternal and neonatal deaths from 2018 to 2022, having focused on the evaluation of resources, process and results. Exhaustive sampling, consisted of 53 maternal and 174 neonatal death records. Reports on audits, obstetric neonatal emergency care and the local health information system were reviewed. Members of the audit committee were interviewed. Results: Out of a total of 227 deaths recorded from 2018 to 2022, the audit committee examined 42 maternal deaths and 34 neonatal deaths. According to our audit evaluation criteria, scores were achieved in 87.1%, 79.7% and 83.6% respectively for the input, process and outcome components. Quality was good for inputs and results, average for process. Overall, the audit was of good quality, with 82.6% satisfaction. Conclusion: The audit of maternal and neonatal deaths in the Ténenkou CSRéf was judged to be of good quality according to our criteria. However, efforts are needed to reinforce the achievements and make the audit sustainable.