Use of a social media network to reduce early neonatal mortality: a preliminary report from a quality improvement project in Yaoundé, Cameroon

Abstract

BackgroundPerinatal networks have yielded substantial contribution in decreasing the neonatal mortality rate. We present here the process of implementation of a perinatal network in Yaoundé (Cameroon) based on the WhatsApp messenger application as well as some preliminary results and achievements.MethodsIn December 2016, the Yaoundé Perinatal Network was launched, regrouping a multidisciplinary team of health professionals dealing with perinatal care in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The network takes advantage of WhatsApp facilities and is coordinated by 5 administrators. One of their main duties is to have a twice-daily updated status of the available equipment (incubators, oxygen and phototherapy) and bed capacities across the Yaoundé pediatric units. Once a request is sent through the network, other members react, either by giving advice or by telling where the desired equipment or expertise is available at that moment. Then, the baby is immediately prepared for transfer, occurring once the receiving pediatric unit has attested that it is already prepared to receive the new patient.ResultsFrom December 18, 2016 to July 31, 2017, 139 members representing all the principal maternities and tertiary pediatric units in Yaoundé were already included in the network. The network permitted instant sharing of knowledge and information between its members for an optimal delivery of care. Two hundred and seventeen neonates were transferred using the network; the median time of response after a request had been sent was 19.5 min and the delay in transferring a neonate averaged 70 min.ConclusionTaking account of the preliminary promising notes, there is hope that the Yaoundé Perinatal Network will help to reduce neonatal mortality in our context. Lessons learned from its implementation will serve to replicate this innovative health action in other towns of the country. Moreover, this experience could be a source of inspiration for other countries facing similar challenges.

Use of WhatsApp messaging technology to strengthen obstetric referrals in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana: Findings from a feasibility study

“…In the present study, the leading referral indications were labor dystocia (26.2%), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (12.3%), and prior uterine scar (11.6%). This is in agreement with other reports, which have similarly found obstructed labor to be the most common referral indication [ 3 , 13 , 22 , 23 , 31 ]. In Nkyekyer’s 2002 report, only 2% of patients were referred for prior uterine scar [ 29 ]; however, this indication has substantially increased [ 32 ].…”

“…Reports on the use of WhatsApp in maternal and child health literature have been limited. WhatsApp has been used to facilitate pregnancy support groups in Kenya [ 22 ], to enhance communication among maternal-fetal medicine specialists across continents [ 20 ] and to support neonatal referrals in Cameroon [ 23 ]. However, to the authors’ knowledge, only one small study exists that evaluates the use of a mobile messaging application on addressing CEmOC referral care [ 24 ].…”

WhatsApp guidelines – what guidelines? A literature review

“…This included rules, [11][12][13] advice, 14 a directive, 15 a protocol, 16 conditions to be met, 17,18 and reminders on proper use of WhatsApp within a group. 19 Three reported following existing (but unstated) guidelines: a generic statement, 20 a recommendation to follow guidelines of a governing body and local hospital regarding patient information, 21 or guidelines for clinical photography. 1 Generally guidance was limited to a few issues in each paper.…”

“…The articles came from 10 countries, six each from the developed 1 , 12 , 15 , 17 , 18 , 21 and developing world, 11 , 13 , 14 , 16 , 19 , 20 were published between 2015 and 2019, reporting services started between 2012 and 2017.…”

Use of Social Networks for Data Collection in Scientific Productions in the Health Area: Integrative Literature Review

“…In this perspective, its use in scientific research is increasing on a large scale, especially in the health area. Specific platforms have been developed for interaction, data collection, and information sharing among researchers (15)(16)(17)(18)(19).…”