Date Approved

5-15-2017

Graduate Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Public Health (M.P.H.)

Degree Program

Public Health

First Advisor

Lara Jaskiewicz

Second Advisor

Jody Vogelzang

Third Advisor

Peter Wampler

Academic Year

2016/2017

Abstract

The reduction of maternal mortality is a long-time international objective. One often underemphasized component of addressing complex and context-driven health problems, such as maternal mortality, is the importance of program evaluation. Program evaluation has been identified as particularly scarce among safe motherhood initiatives, which seek to reduce maternal deaths and improve the health outcomes of mothers (Freedman et al., 2007). Useful program evaluation starts with process evaluation. This study is a case study process evaluation of postpartum data collection, which utilizes interviews, observations, and document review. The purpose of this study was to evaluate, describe, and compare the intended and actual data collection processes of Midwives for Haiti’s postpartum program at Hospital Saint Therese (HST). This process evaluation included the identification of barriers and facilitators of data collection. Some consistent intentions for data use were identified despite limited planning for data collection and evaluation prior to implementation. These intentions include monitoring outputs, connecting identified complications to interventions used, and improving the quality of care provided. The next step to improving postpartum data collection at HST is to develop a clear program logic model and evaluation plan, which should include short-term and mid-term objectives to effectively address their long-term objective of reducing maternal mortality. The utilization of near-miss cases as proxy for maternal mortality may enable Midwives for Haiti to better understand postpartum outcomes and the impact of the postpartum program.

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