What is quality in maternity care? An international perspective.
This paper delineates important considerations for having a better understanding of quality in maternity care. High quality requires providing a minimum level of care to all pregnant women and their new born babies and a higher level of care to those who need it; obtaining the best possible medical outcome of mother and baby; providing care which satisfies users and providers; and maintaining sound managerial and financial performance. While all these aspects are important, prioritizing among interventions to improve them will be influenced by cultural values, expectations and available resources.
Pittrof
Rüdiger
R
Maternal Health Programme, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK. rudiger_pittrof@hotmail.com
Campbell
Oona M R
OM
Filippi
Véronique G A
VG
D002662:Child Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000592:standards; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D011787:Quality of Health Care