Scorecards and social accountability for improved maternal and newborn health services: a pilot in the Ashanti and Volta regions of Ghana

Blake, C. , Annorbah-Sarpei, N. A., Bailey, C., Ismaila, Y., Deganus, S., Bosomprah, S., Galli, F. and Clark, S. (2016) Scorecards and social accountability for improved maternal and newborn health services: a pilot in the Ashanti and Volta regions of Ghana. International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 135(3), pp. 372-379. (doi: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2016.10.004) (PMID:27784594)

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Abstract

Background: With the limited availability of quality emergency obstetric and newborn care (EmONC) in Ghana, and a lack of dialogue on the issue at district level, the Evidence for Action (E4A) program (2011-2015) initiated a pilot intervention using a social accountability approach in two regions of Ghana. Objective: Using scorecards to assess and improve maternal and newborn health services, the intervention study evaluated the effectiveness of engaging multiple, health and non-health sector stakeholders at district level to improve the enabling environment for quality EmONC. Methods: The quantitative study component comprised two rounds of assessments in 37 health facilities. The qualitative component is based on an independent prospective policy study. Results: Results show a marked growth in a culture of accountability, with heightened levels of community participation, transparency, and improved clarity of lines of accountability among decision-makers. The breadth and type of quality of care improvements were dependent on the strength of community and government engagement in the process, especially in regard to more complex systemic changes. Conclusion: Engaging a broad network of stakeholders to support MNH services has great potential if implemented in ways that are context-appropriate and that build around full collaboration with government and civil society stakeholders.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:The Evidence for Action (E4A) program is funded by the UK Government’s Department for International Development (DFID).
Keywords:Emergency obstetric and neonatal care (EmONC), Evidence for Action (E4A), Ghana, maternal health, neonatal health, quality of care, scorecards, social accountability.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Blake, Ms Carolyn
Authors: Blake, C., Annorbah-Sarpei, N. A., Bailey, C., Ismaila, Y., Deganus, S., Bosomprah, S., Galli, F., and Clark, S.
Subjects:R Medicine > RG Gynecology and obstetrics
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
Journal Name:International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Journal Abbr.:Int J Gynecol Obstet
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0020-7292
ISSN (Online):1879-3479
Published Online:14 October 2016
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2016 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics
First Published:First published in International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics 135(3): 372-379
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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