Use of quality indicators by obstetric caregivers in the Netherlands : A descriptive study

Objective To evaluate the use of quality indicators by obstetric caregivers in hospitals in the Netherlands. Study design An anonymous, self-administered survey was conducted in a convenience sample of obstetricians and clinical midwives in Dutch hospitals. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data, both for all caregivers and stratified by hospital setting and profession (obstetricians and midwives). Differences between strata were tested at a 5% significance level. Results The response rate to the online questionnaire was 61% (n = 171/279). Of all respondents 83% were aware of the quality indicators and 63% contributed to their registration. Caregivers received information about the indicators by mail or in meetings according to 64% (internal indicators) and 48% (external indicators) of the respondents. Of the respondents 56% (internal indicators) and 41% (external indicators) stated to use the results of indicators when designing plans to improve the quality of care. Conclusion We conclude that obstetric quality indicators are not widely used by obstetricians and midwives in Dutch hospitals to improve quality of care. To improve quality of care and the effective use of quality indicators we suggest to focus first on registering outcome indicators. These indicators should be implemented in quality structures that ensure that action is taken

Integrating women's voices in quality improvement for maternity care: A qualitative study

INTRODUCTION: Improving the quality of maternity care is high on the national agenda in the Netherlands. One aspect gaining significant attention is integrating women's experiences - as users of maternity care - in this quality improvement. The aim of this study was to gain deeper insights into how maternity care professionals in Dutch Maternity Care Collaborations integrate women's voices into quality improvement as part of integrated maternity care and what role midwives can have in this. METHODS: This was a descriptive qualitative study, using semi-structured individual interviews and content analysis for an in-depth exploration of maternity care professionals' experiences and opinions on integrating women's voices in quality improvement. Participants were twelve maternity care professionals involved in quality improvement activities from eight Dutch Maternity Care Collaborations. RESULTS: Four themes emerged: 'Quality improvement based on women's voices is still in its infancy' and was experienced as an important but challenging topic; 'Collecting women's voices' was conducted, but needed more facilitation; Using women's voices' was hindered by a lack of expertise and a structured feedback and feedforward system; and 'Ensuring listening to women's voices' and integrating them in quality improvement required further facilitation. CONCLUSIONS: Care professionals emphasized that listening to women's voices for quality improvement is important but challenging due to the lack of expertise, organizational structure, time, and financial resources. A feasible implementation strategy including concrete support is recommended by maternity care professionals to boost action

Integrating women's voices in quality improvement for maternity care:A qualitative study

INTRODUCTION: Improving the quality of maternity care is high on the national agenda in the Netherlands. One aspect gaining significant attention is integrating women’s experiences – as users of maternity care – in this quality improvement. The aim of this study was to gain deeper insights into how maternity care professionals in Dutch Maternity Care Collaborations integrate women’s voices into quality improvement as part of integrated maternity care and what role midwives can have in this. METHODS: This was a descriptive qualitative study, using semi-structured individual interviews and content analysis for an in-depth exploration of maternity care professionals’ experiences and opinions on integrating women’s voices in quality improvement. Participants were twelve maternity care professionals involved in quality improvement activities from eight Dutch Maternity Care Collaborations. RESULTS: Four themes emerged: ‘Quality improvement based on women's voices is still in its infancy’ and was experienced as an important but challenging topic; ‘Collecting women's voices’ was conducted, but needed more facilitation; Using women's voices’ was hindered by a lack of expertise and a structured feedback and feedforward system; and ‘Ensuring listening to women's voices’ and integrating them in quality improvement required further facilitation. CONCLUSIONS: Care professionals emphasized that listening to women’s voices for quality improvement is important but challenging due to the lack of expertise, organizational structure, time, and financial resources. A feasible implementation strategy including concrete support is recommended by maternity care professionals to boost action