electronic partograph

The e-partograph is an electronic prototype of the paper-based partograph that automatically plots the vital trends in labour and childbirth. It is fitted with alarm systems to alert PHC workers about the next examination schedule also in case of danger. The e-partograph at a rural PHC facility is synchronized with another screen at the referral facility through internet-based connection to enable real-time information sharing, decision-making for lifesaving obstetric interventions and referral. Broadly, the e-partograph has two parts: 1) Intrapartum component: Consists of the monitor/progress of labour & childbirth 2) Immediate Postpartum component: Consists of outcomes for mother and baby. The screen established at the rural health facility is synchronized with another mobile screen at the referral hospital. Two screens will be established at the hospital (one with a senior midwife and one with obstetrician). Using internet-based connectivity, the screen at the rural health facility is linked to the mobile screen at the referral hospital to ensure that all the information entered on the rural PHC facility is relayed in real-time to the referral hospital screens when required. Therefore, the e-partograph intervenes to improve efficiency in filling patients’ information during labour and childbirth, allows PHC workers to seek and receive real-time professional support and reduce time to accessing lifesaving care, even after normal work hours