[Quality assurance of prenatal care in a rural health center].

OBJECTIVE

This study was carried out with the aim of evaluating the quality of Prenatal Care (PNC) and improving attention to the pregnant woman.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective evaluation, with a later monitoring of two indicators: an early start to care and an evaluation of risk. Site. The study was undertaken in a rural Primary Care Centre.

PATIENTS AND OTHERS PARTICIPANTS

For purposes of the evaluation all the pregnant women (222) looked after between 1988 and 1990 were studied; for the monitoring, all those between July 1990 and June 1991.

MAIN MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

On the first evaluation, both the starting of PNC within the first 12 weeks (in 65% of cases) and the evaluation of obstetric risk at the first visit (29% compliance) were considered unacceptably low. With the help of corrective measures and simple practical monitoring, 100% compliance was reached in 12 months. The risk evaluation on subsequent visits (between 73 and 95% compliance) and the number of checks (90% compliance) were considered adequate, and no intervention was made.

CONCLUSIONS

We concluded that the PNC programmes should include quality assurance activities, as these have a positive effect on the improvement of medical care.