Submission ID 117165
| Issue/Objective | Fragmented and paper-based maternal health records in rural Ethiopia contribute to poor continuity of care, missed follow-ups, and preventable maternal and neonatal complications. With the growing global push toward digital health transformation, this study evaluated the implementation of a mobile-based digital maternal health record (DMHR) system designed to improve care coordination, data quality, and service integration across antenatal, delivery, and postnatal services in a rural Ethiopian context. |
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| Methodology/Approach | A mixed-methods implementation study was conducted from February to October 2024 across 10 rural health centers in the Oromia region. The DMHR system was piloted in five facilities, allowing midwives and health officers to register, update, and track maternal health data using tablets linked to a cloud-based dashboard accessed by facility and district health managers. The remaining five facilities served as controls using standard paper-based records. Quantitative data on record completeness, service continuity (e.g., ANC4+ attendance, skilled delivery, and referral documentation), and data timeliness were compared using chi-square tests and logistic regression. Additionally, 25 semi-structured interviews were conducted with frontline providers and district health officials to explore usability, perceived benefits, and implementation challenges. |
| Results | Facilities using the DMHR system reported significantly higher rates of complete antenatal documentation (88% vs. 56%, p < 0.01) and improved continuity of care across the maternal health continuum (74% vs. 45%, p < 0.05). Digital records enabled better follow-up tracking and timely referrals, reducing care fragmentation. Interview findings revealed high user satisfaction, reduced paperwork burden, and improved communication between service points. While initial resistance and connectivity issues were noted, these were largely addressed through tailored digital literacy training and solar-powered infrastructure. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | Digital maternal health records present a scalable, context-appropriate innovation to address long-standing gaps in care continuity in rural, low-resource settings. When supported by infrastructure investment and health worker training, such systems can enhance the efficiency, quality, and equity of maternal healthcare. This work contributes to advancing global health by showcasing how local, tech-enabled solutions can strengthen primary care delivery systems, reduce maternal risks, and future-proof health services in the face of evolving challenges. |
| Presenters and affiliations | Tesfaye Teweldebirhan Woldia University Wasihun Bihonegn Wollo University |
