Maternal and Neonatal Program Index (MNPI)Name: Maternal and Neonatal Program Index (MNPI) Origin / Source: The Futures Group International, (J.Ross@tfgi.com). Technical Area: Maternal and Newborn Health Description: An 81-item scale on which experts can rate national or provincial maternal and neonatal health programs. Country applications: 49 countries from all developing regions rated in 1999-2000, plus 14 states of India. Language: English Other resources: Purpose: To obtain systematic expert evaluations of maternal and neonatal services and supporting functions, in order to identify program strengths and weaknesses, assess changes, and allow comparisons across programs. Design: Questionnaire survey of experts, to obtain quantitative ratings of 81items under 13 headings, both current and retrospective. Multiple experts of varied specialties and positions are recruited. Questionnaire is self-administered by 10-25 experts with guidance by a key implementer in each country. Method: qualitative Frequency of administration: Recommended every three years, preferably on the same schedule across countries. Key users: managers of maternal and neonatal health programs; donors; health policy specialists; research analysts. Objectives and scope: See "Purpose." Key indicators: Produces 81 indicators, which reflect the capacity of health facilities (health centers and district hospitals) to provide maternal and neonatal care:
Tool design: See "Design." Implementation and training: No formal training, but careful recruitment of the key implementers in each country, with continuing communication as needed during data collection. Manuals and guidelines: Instructional materials are provided to each implementer concerning all aspects of the field activities. Data processing and analysis: Data processing is handled centrally by the Futures Group to insure comparability across countries. Analysis is also done centrally, but copies of all questionnaires are retained in each country and all initial results are provided to each country for any analysis desired locally. Reporting and dissemination: A template for country feedback was developed, and each country has received its own results. Reports: A working paper submitted to MEASURE; article submitted to the WHO Bulletin; two other articles in process; oral reports to MEASURE; USAID; others. Costing: A modest payment serves to implement the survey at the local level. However much central staff time is required to locate a qualified implementer in each country, to instruct them in the proper recruitment of respondents, and to follow through to the actual receipt of all questionnaires. Other items include central data entry, extensive analyses, feedback to countries, and preparation of reports for presentations, written documents, and preparation of journal submissions. Lessons from experience: Application of the survey has shown that maternal health programs in developing countries have serious deficiencies. Their adequacy varies across services, across countries, across rural and urban areas and across types of facilities. Better access to services, particularly those involving treatment of obstetric complications and provision of safe abortion, appear to be related to lower maternal mortality levels. Contact: |