Evaluation of maternal and newborn health services in Jordan

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the maternal and newborn services in Jordanian hospitals to provide policymakers, health professionals, and researchers with a clear picture about the current status of maternal and newborn health services.

Methods: A total of 32 main hospitals that provide maternity services in Jordan were assessed. The study involved direct observations of these hospitals and interviews with basic health and hospital staff, with the purpose of assessing and evaluating the availability of various services for mothers and newborns, availability of resources, equipment and supplies, documentation and staff training, and provision of the health care services.

Results: Some hospitals had shortages of obstetricians and gynecologists, pediatricians, neonatologists, and midwives/nurses. Antenatal care was not provided systematically in many hospitals across the country. A lack of necessary equipment, drugs, and supplies was evident in some hospitals. Admission departments of some hospitals had insufficient supplies. The operation theaters in many hospitals lacked a variety of necessary equipment including some basic items such as thermometers and some advanced items such as resuscitation sets for babies. Only two-thirds of all delivery rooms in the selected hospitals had radiant heaters and obstetrical stethoscopes available. A significant lack of neonatal ICU equipment was found such as incubators, resuscitation tables, continuous positive airway pressure, O2 oximeters, and phototherapy.

Conclusion: The findings revealed an overall satisfactory quality of maternal and newborn care and services, however, some deficiencies existed. The findings are expected to aid policymakers, health professionals, and researchers to recognize the gaps in the processes, supplies, and quality of care related to the provided services at maternal facilities and help them to design and implement evidence-based health programs in order to provide effective health services and promote the health of mothers and newborns.

Keywords: Jordan; assessment; maternal and newborn health services; quality of care.