Adapting group care to the postpartum period using a human-centered design approach in Malawi

Ashley Gresh; Anne Batchelder; Nancy Glass; Janet Mambulasa; Esnath Kapito; Amy MacDonald; Nellie Ngutwa; Cori Plesko; Ellen Chirwa; Crystal L Patil

doi:10.1186/s12913-023-10036-2

Adapting group care to the postpartum period using a human-centered design approach in Malawi

BMC Health Serv Res. 2023 Oct 14;23(1):1098. doi: 10.1186/s12913-023-10036-2.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, 525 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA. Ashley.gresh@jhu.edu.
² Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, 525 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA.
³ Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Private Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi.
⁴ Pomelo Care, Hillsborough, North Carolina, USA.
⁵ Group Care Global, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
⁶ School of Nursing, University of Michigan, 400 N. Ingalls, Suite 3320, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.

Abstract

Background: Responsive and resilient strategies to reduce high rates of maternal and infant mortality and clinician shortages are needed in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Malawi has some of the highest maternal and infant mortality rates globally. Group healthcare is a service delivery model that integrates these strategies. Although primarily implemented during the prenatal period, its potential for improving both maternal and infant health outcomes during the postpartum period has not been realized. The purpose of this study was to adapt and co-design the prototype for an evidence-based group care model for the postpartum period using a human-centered design approach with key stakeholders in Malawi.

Methods: We completed steps of a framework guiding the use of human-centered design: 1) define the problem and assemble a team; 2) gather information through evidence and inspiration; 3) synthesize; and 4) intervention design: guiding principles and ideation. Qualitative methods were used to complete steps 2-4. In-depth interviews (n = 24), and incubator sessions (n = 6) that employed free listing, pile sorting and ranking were completed with key stakeholders. Data analysis consisted of content analysis of interviews and framework analysis for incubator sessions to produce the integrated group postpartum and well-child care model prototype. The fifth step is detailed in a separate paper.

Results: All stakeholders reported a desire to participate in and offer group care in the postpartum period. Stakeholders worked collaboratively to co-create the prototype that included a curriculum of health promotion topics and interactive activities and the service delivery structure. Health promotion topic priorities were hygiene, breastfeeding, family planning, nutrition, and mental health. The recommended schedule included 6 sessions corresponding with the child vaccination schedule over the 12-month postpartum period.

Conclusions: Using a human-centered design approach to adapt an evidence-based group care model in an LMIC, specifically Malawi, is feasible and acceptable to key stakeholders and resulted in a prototype curriculum and practical strategies for clinic implementation.

Keywords: Infant health; Maternal child health service; Postpartum; Preventive health services.

MeSH terms

Breast Feeding
Delivery of Health Care*
Female
Humans
Infant
Infant Mortality
Malawi
Postpartum Period*
Pregnancy

Abstract

MeSH terms

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