Neonatal mortality and morbidity in the post-implementation period of a neonatal teaching program in provincial hospitals in Laos

Abstract

ObjectivesAim of this study was to analyze neonatal mortality and morbidity in the post-implementation period of a neonatal teaching program to examine a possible impact on neonatal outcomes. Study designThis study is a retrospective data analysis of all neonatal patients treated in five provincial hospitals in Laos after implementation of a neonatal teaching program. MethodsA simulation-based teaching program aims to have positive impact on the theoretical and practical skill of hospital staff in the field of newborn care. A comparison between pre-implementation and post-implementation data of newborns admitted to provincial hospitals in Laos was used to quantify the effect of repetitive teaching on neonatal outcomes. ResultsNeonatal mortality and morbidity as well as case fatality rates of infections and asphyxia decreased in the post-implementation period. In contrast, neonatal mortality rate as well as case fatality rate of prematurity increased. The total neonatal mortality rate increased in the post-implementation period. ConclusionsThe pre-implementation and post-implementation data enable longitudinal comparisons between hospitals and highlight the differences between hospitals concerning neonatal mortality and morbidity in provincial hospitals in Laos. These data can serve as a basis for an individual adaption of the teaching program to the unique requirements of each single hospital.