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Implementation of the Zambia Electronic Perinatal Record System for comprehensive prenatal and delivery care
Author(s) -
Chi Benjamin H.,
Vwalika Bellington,
Killam William P.,
Wamalume Chibesa,
Giganti Mark J.,
Mbewe Reuben,
Stringer Elizabeth M.,
Chintu Namwinga T.,
Putta Nande B.,
Liu Katherine C.,
Chibwesha Carla J.,
Rouse Dwight J.,
Stringer Jeffrey S.A.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1016/j.ijgo.2010.11.013
Subject(s) - medicine , interquartile range , prenatal care , obstetrics , medical record , pregnancy , electronic medical record , gestational age , gestation , public health , pediatrics , birth weight , low birth weight , population , family medicine , environmental health , nursing , biology , genetics
Objective To characterize prenatal and delivery care in an urban African setting. Methods The Zambia Electronic Perinatal Record System (ZEPRS) was implemented to record demographic characteristics, past medical and obstetric history, prenatal care, and delivery and newborn care for pregnant women across 25 facilities in the Lusaka public health sector. Results From June 1, 2007, to January 31, 2010, 115 552 pregnant women had prenatal and delivery information recorded in ZEPRS. Median gestation age at first prenatal visit was 23 weeks (interquartile range [IQR] 19–26). Syphilis screening was documented in 95 663 (83%) pregnancies: 2449 (2.6%) women tested positive, of whom 1589 (64.9%) were treated appropriately. 111 108 (96%) women agreed to HIV testing, of whom 22% were diagnosed with HIV. Overall, 112 813 (98%) of recorded pregnancies resulted in a live birth, and 2739 (2%) in a stillbirth. The median gestational age was 38 weeks (IQR 35–40) at delivery; the median birth weight of newborns was 3000 g (IQR 2700–3300 g). Conclusion The results demonstrate the feasibility of using a comprehensive electronic medical record in an urban African setting, and highlight its important role in ongoing efforts to improve clinical care.