CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.0 Introduction
This chapter presents the introduction to computerized information record system in maternity ward using General Hospital Ikot Ekpene as a case study. It presents the introduction, background of the study, statement of the problem, aim and objectives of the study, significance of the study, scope of the study, organization of the research and definition of terms.
- Background of the Study
Maternal care can help save the lives of mothers and babies by promoting and establishing good health before childbirth (antenatal) and the early postnatal period – the time periods of highest risk.Antenatal care (ANC) often presents the first contact opportunity for a woman to connect with health services, thus offering an entry point for integrated care, promoting healthy home practices, influencing careseeking behaviours, and linking women with pregnancy complications to a referral system. Women are more likely to give birth with a skilled attendant if they have had at least one ANC visit. The aim of antenatal care is to assist the woman to remain healthy and thus aid the health of the unborn baby. Antenatal care should also provide support and guidance to the pregnant woman and her partner or family, to help them in their transition to parenthood. This implies that both care and education are required from care providers (Capenito, 2002).
During this important time the role of the health care worker is to:
- Promote health activities;
- Prevent ill health;
- Provide curative services;
- Liase with other services such as specialist care and antenatal education;
- Teach the woman both knowledge and skills regarding her own health care;
- Become a supportive provider who is approachable and willing to listen to the woman’s needs and to assist with any concerns she or her family may have about the pregnancy, birth or postpartum period.
There are a number of important issues around the provision of maternal care. These include determining what kind of care should be offered to all women and what is needed by women with difficulties or complications arising during pregnancy or birth. Other issues include the frequency of visits, what should actually be offered in terms of care for the woman at each visit and what screening tests are necessary. Quality of care is important and women’s perceptions oftheir care should be sought and considered at all stages (Barnes & Bradley, 2009).
Also, the days and weeks following childbirth – the postnatal period – is a critical phase inthe lives of mothers and newborn babies. Major changes occur during this period whichdetermine the well-being of mothers and newborns. Yet, this is the most neglected timefor the provision of quality services. Lack of appropriate care during this period couldresult in significant ill health and even death. Rates of provision of skilled care are lowerafter childbirth when compared to rates before and during childbirth. Most maternal andinfant deaths occur during this time (Cameron, 2002).
This situation therefore necessitates the development of an information system to aid in monitoring the administration of antenatal and postnatal care.
Being pregnant can be very challenging to mothers especially if they are expecting for the first time. Many rely on information that is past down from one to another which may not be accurate as experience from each pregnancy can be different from one pregnancy to the other and from one person to another. Matters are made worse when information past down is mixed with cultural taboo. Bringing a new life to the world is a wonder to everyone. There are lots of information widely available in printed form but usually these information is general, too lengthy and complicated. One of the many easy and fast way to access information about pregnancy is the Internet. This situation therefore warrants the development of an information system for maternity ward.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
It has been estimated that maternal deaths occur during pregnancy, with variability between countries depending on the prevalence of unsafe abortion, violence, and disease in the area. These problems are compounded by the fact that:
- There is absence of an automated system for Maternity ward information management.
- Manual method of managing maternity ward information is ineffective.
- Delay to get reports about patients in the maternity ward for timely decision making.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of this research work is to develop a computerized information system for maternity ward. The following are the objectives of the study:
- To develop a system that will help in the registration of expectant mothers for ante natal and postnatal care.
- To develop a system that will help in monitoring of antenatal and postnatal care administration information.
- To develop a system that will aid timely retrieval of antenatal and postnatal care reports.
