Development of a Study tool to Assess Gaps in Respectful Maternity Care in Health Facilities of India

Abstract Background: Maternal mortality perdures to be a major challenge for India like in other developing countries. Though the efforts to increase the institutional deliveries have resulted in appreciable results, it has not translated to the corresponding decline in maternal mortality rates. Dearth in quality of care especially concerning respectful maternity care in health facilities is considered as a major reason for this phenomenon. This work describes the development process of the study tool to assess respectful maternity care in the health facilities of India. Methods: A collaborative approach was employed for the development of a comprehensive tool to be used to assess respectful maternity care in the Indian setting. The tool development process comprised of four steps: 1) literature review and meeting with Technical Advisory Group; 2) the National Stakeholders workshop and development of the initial tool; 3) feedback on the tool from twenty tertiary care public health facilities from various regions of India; 4) the final tool and its validity approval by Technical Advisory Group. Results: A comprehensive tool was made comprising of indicators for assessing deficits in respectful maternity care, and for assessing contextual data of the health care facility. The initial tool was tested at twenty facilities. The changes suggested and observed were adapted, and the final tool was prepared. The Technical Advisory Group approved the content validity of the tool.Conclusions: A comprehensive tool was made to assess various aspects of respectful maternity care provided in tertiary Indian institutional settings aiding in in a deeper understanding of the phenomenon. This tool is recommended, especially to health care providers of India, for assessing the status of maternity care in health facilities and bringing the required interventions in the health care facilities.