Abstract
This paper presents the findings of a research project which has involved the establishment of a maternal health phone line in Milne Bay Province of Papua New Guinea (PNG). Mobile phones and landline phones are key information and communication technologies (ICTs). This research study uses the “ICTs for healthcare development” model to ascertain benefits and barriers to the successful implementation of the Childbirth Emergency Phone. PNG has a very high maternal mortality rate. The “three stages of delay” typology was developed by Thaddeus and Maine to determine factors that might delay provision of appropriate medical treatment and hence increase risk of maternal death. The “three stages of delay” typology has been utilised in various developing countries and also in the present study. Research undertaken has involved semi-structured interviews with health workers, both in rural settings and in the labour ward in Alotau. Additional data has been gathered through focus groups with health workers, analysis of notes made during phone calls, interviews with women and community leaders, observations and field visits. One hundred percent of interviewees (n = 42) said the project helped to solve communication barriers between rural health workers and Alotau Provincial Hospital. Specific examples in which the phone line has helped to create positive health outcomes will be outlined in the paper, drawn from research interviews. The Childbirth Emergency Phone project has shown itself to play a critical role in enabling healthcare workers to address life-threatening childbirth complications. The project shows potential for rollout across PNG; potentially reducing maternal morbidity and maternal mortality rates by overcoming communication challenges.
Highlights
The maternal mortality rate in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is alarmingly high [1,2,3]
One question used was: “Can you please share with me a story about a time when a woman went into labour and you were involved in this?” In the latter stages of interviews, rural health workers were asked for their thoughts on the Childbirth Emergency Phone, barriers that might limit its success and suggestions to help improve the project
During the 42 interviews conducted, all interviewees stated that the project solved the communication problems faced, especially when attending to obstetric emergencies
Summary
The maternal mortality rate in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is alarmingly high [1,2,3]. PNG has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world [4,5]. Rural health workers are often uncertain of what to do when birthing complications arise [6]. They typically have few support services and communication options. There is a severe shortage of health workers in PNG [7] and “an almost total lack of systematic in-service training, especially for rural health” [7] MBP is known as a maritime province, as many coastal and island communities are not accessible by road. There are 788 health workers in MBP, of which 529 (or 67%) are government employees [7] and most of the remainder are employed by churchrun health services
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