Transform Maternal Healthcare through Value-Based Care for Mothers and Newborns

Samburu women representative Pauline Lenguris handing over nedical equipment to the management of Kisima health centre in Samburu. The upgrading and equipping of the maternity wing was done by the Japanese government at the cost of Sh28 million. [Michael Saitoti/Standard] Kenya faces a maternal and neonatal health crisis. Statistics place our neonatal mortality rate at 20.5 per 1,000 live births and maternal mortality rate at 342 per 100,000 live births. Despite decades of efforts to improve healthcare facilities and training, these rates remain unacceptably high, necessitating innovative approaches to care that can truly make a difference. Traditionally, healthcare systems have operated on a "fee-for-service" model, which incentivises quantity over quality. This approach often leads to unnecessary medical interventions rather than focusing on patient outcomes that matter most to mothers and their newborns. In this context, value-based care (VBC) emerges as a transformative solution. VBC shifts the paradigm by prioritising high-quality healthcare that emphasises preventive measures, early intervention, and consistent support throughout pregnancy. This model aims to not only reduce maternal and infant mortality but also to ensure that care is sustainable and centered around the needs of patients. In Kenya, many women face significant barriers in accessing maternal healthcare. These barriers include transportation issues, economic constraints, cultural beliefs, and limited awareness of available services. For many expectant mothers, the journey to a healthcare facility can be daunting, particularly in rural areas where distances are great and public transport options are limited. Moreover, economic challenges can prevent women from seeking care or adhering to recommended antenatal visits. A VBC model can address these challenges by promoting early pregnancy registration and encouraging regular antenatal visits. This is done by fostering an environment where women feel supported and informed about their health needs, thus significantly lowering complications. Implementing comprehensive support systems is crucial for effective maternal care. This includes not only enhanced out-patient antenatal services but also telehealth services, mental health support and peer group connections. Telehealth can bridge the gap for women who may have difficulty reaching healthcare facilities due to distance or other barriers. By providing virtual consultations and check-ins, healthcare providers can ensure that mothers receive timely advice and support without the need for extensive travel. Mental health is an often overlooked aspect of maternal care. Pregnancy can be a time of great emotional upheaval, with many women experiencing anxiety or depression. Providing mental health support as part of a holistic approach to maternal care can help mothers navigate these challenges more effectively. Additionally, peer group connections foster a sense of community among expectant mothers, allowing them to share experiences, advice and encouragement throughout their pregnancies. A successful VBC model relies on the continuous collection and analysis of health data. By monitoring key indicators such as antenatal visit adherence, re-admissions, and birth complications, healthcare providers can adapt their strategies based on real-time insights. This data-driven approach fosters ongoing improvements in service delivery and patient outcomes. For instance, if data reveals that certain regions have lower antenatal visit rates, targeted outreach programmes can be developed to address those specific needs. Moreover, the integration of technology in data collection can enhance the efficiency of healthcare delivery. Mobile health applications can facilitate appointment reminders for mothers, track their health metrics, and provide educational resources about pregnancy and childbirth. The ultimate goal is to establish a resilient healthcare system where every mother can experience the joy of motherhood without fear, and every child has a healthy start in life. Kenya faces a maternal and neonatal health crisis. Statistics place our neonatal mortality rate at 20.5 per 1,000 live births and maternal mortality rate at 342 per 100,000 live births. Despite decades of efforts to improve healthcare facilities and training, these rates remain unacceptably high, necessitating innovative approaches to care that can truly make a difference. Traditionally, healthcare systems have operated on a "fee-for-service" model, which incentivises quantity over quality. This approach often leads to unnecessary medical interventions rather than focusing on patient outcomes that matter most to mothers and their newborns. In this context, value-based care (VBC) emerges as a transformative solution. VBC shifts the paradigm by prioritising high-quality healthcare that emphasises preventive measures, early intervention, and consistent support throughout pregnancy. This model aims to not only reduce maternal and infant mortality but also to ensure that care is sustainable and centered around the needs of patients. In Kenya, many women face significant barriers in accessing maternal healthcare. These barriers include transportation issues, economic constraints, cultural beliefs, and limited awareness of available services. For many expectant mothers, the journey to a healthcare facility can be daunting, particularly in rural areas where distances are great and public transport options are limited. Moreover, economic challenges can prevent women from seeking care or adhering to recommended antenatal visits. A VBC model can address these challenges by promoting early pregnancy registration and encouraging regular antenatal visits. This is done by fostering an environment where women feel supported and informed about their health needs, thus significantly lowering complications. Implementing comprehensive support systems is crucial for effective maternal care. This includes not only enhanced out-patient antenatal services but also telehealth services, mental health support and peer group connections. Telehealth can bridge the gap for women who may have difficulty reaching healthcare facilities due to distance or other barriers. By providing virtual consultations and check-ins, healthcare providers can ensure that mothers receive timely advice and support without the need for extensive travel. Mental health is an often overlooked aspect of maternal care. Pregnancy can be a time of great emotional upheaval, with many women experiencing anxiety or depression. Providing mental health support as part of a holistic approach to maternal care can help mothers navigate these challenges more effectively. Additionally, peer group connections foster a sense of community among expectant mothers, allowing them to share experiences, advice and encouragement throughout their pregnancies. A successful VBC model relies on the continuous collection and analysis of health data. By monitoring key indicators such as antenatal visit adherence, re-admissions, and birth complications, healthcare providers can adapt their strategies based on real-time insights. This data-driven approach fosters ongoing improvements in service delivery and patient outcomes. For instance, if data reveals that certain regions have lower antenatal visit rates, targeted outreach programmes can be developed to address those specific needs. Moreover, the integration of technology in data collection can enhance the efficiency of healthcare delivery. Mobile health applications can facilitate appointment reminders for mothers, track their health metrics, and provide educational resources about pregnancy and childbirth. The ultimate goal is to establish a resilient healthcare system where every mother can experience the joy of motherhood without fear, and every child has a healthy start in life.

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Transform Maternal Healthcare through Value-Based Care for Mothers and Newborns

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