BMJ open quality
From policy to practice: establishing birth companion presence in labour rooms via quality improvement methods
By Agarwal M, Simran S, Bhushan D and 4 others.
Abstract
Background
The WHO and the Government of India recommend allowing a chosen birth companion during labour and delivery. However, implementation across public facilities remains poor. This study aimed to introduce and sustain the presence of birth companions for at least 50% of labouring women within 5 months at a tertiary-care hospital in eastern India using quality-improvement (QI) methods.
Methods
The Model for Improvement (MFI) with sequential Plan–Do–Study–Act (PDSA) cycles was applied from May to September 2022. Barriers were analysed through a fishbone diagram. Interventions included staff sensitisation, protocol development and workflow redesign. Staff attitude and respectful maternity care perception were assessed using short Likert-scale feedback forms after each cycle.