Persistent barriers to achieving quality neonatal care in low-resource settings: perspectives from a unique panel of frontline neonatal health experts

Abstract

Despite increasing rates of facility-based deliveries, neonatal mortality rates remain persistently high in low-resource settings (LRS). This has catalysed international focus on understanding and enabling quality newborn care. We aimed to understand persistent barriers to Quality of Care (QoC) and to identify quality improvement priorities from the perspective of a panel of neonatal experts with first-hand experience of delivering newborn care in low-resource settings (LRS). We conducted 13 semi-structured interviews with neonatal health experts via Skype. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. We adopted an inductive thematic analytical approach. Ethical approvals were not required. Twenty-two experts were invited to participate, of whom 16 responded and 13 agreed to take part (five neonatologists, six paediatricians and two advanced neonatal nurse practitioners). Participants had a mean of 13 (±7 SD) years working in LRS. Lack of physical resources including basic equipment and infrastructure such as running water, combined with limited human resources, education and specialist neonatal training were cited as key barriers to delivering quality care. In addition, weak leadership at the community, local and national level were thought to hinder progress. Poor communication within clinical teams, limited documentation and lack of standardised and locally appropriate guidelines were also identified as challenges. Digital technologies were perceived to have potential for data capture and enabling standardised care. However, some highlighted that unreliable internet access and possible stigma may hinder implementation. With less than 10 years to reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is critical to ensure access to quality care for all sick and vulnerable newborns admitted to health facilities. Clinical leaders in low resource settings need to be empowered to define local agendas and advocate for critical resources in order to close the gap between local and global quality of care priorities.