Ann Wolski
Nominated From: University of Michigan
Research Site: Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Ghana
Research Area: Maternal and Child Health
Primary Mentor: Cheryl Moyer
Research Project
Can neonatal near-miss categorization be used to improve outcomes? A pilot study in Kumasi, Ghana
Neonatal mortality constitutes a high proportion of child mortality worldwide. For every newborn who dies, there are multiple “near misses,” i.e., newborns who could have died, but did not. Assessing near-misses is an effective way of determining both successes associated with averting deaths and systemic shortcomings leading to life-threatening conditions. Using a previously piloted neonatal near-miss tool, we will identify neonatal near-misses and associations at a tertiary hospital in Ghana. With the collaboration of local providers, we will then develop, implement, and assess a neonatal near-miss flagging system to prioritize near-miss care and reduce neonatal mortality.
Research Significance
Despite the disproportionate burden of neonatal mortality in low and middle income countries, we continue to lack cost- and time-effective measures to combat the issue. Our study of the neonatal near-miss tool will provide important information about both its efficacy in improving neonatal health and future directions for Maternal and Child Health worldwide.
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