Development of a Postpartum Risk Screening Model at Khon Kaen Hospital

Abstract

This research and development initiative focused on strengthening postpartum risk screening at Khon Kaen Hospital aims to 1) identifying existing barriers to risk screening, 2) develop a more effective screening model, and 3)evaluating its practical application. The study drew insights from a diverse group of participants including 22 healthcare professionals and 201 postpartum mothers. Data collection involved a blend of in-depth interviews to capture qualitative nuances and a structured screening tool for quantitative assessment. For analysis, the researchers employed content analysis for the qualitative findings alongside descriptive statistics for the numerical data.

The initial phase revealed six systemic hurdles: a lack of uniformity in how assessment tools were applied, heavy clinical workloads, and language gaps when caring for non-native mothers. Furthermore, the study noted significant gaps in data continuity during handovers, a general lack of risk awareness among mothers, and the disruptive effect of frequent staff rotations. Currently, the screening process moves through three distinct stages-starting with intense monitoring in the first two hours post-delivery, followed by ward-based assessments using various tools, and concluding with interprofessional coordination. From these findings, four essential needs emerged: the demand for standardized "admission-to-discharge" protocols, a unified digital information system, targeted competency training for staff, and the integration of AI-driven tools to enhance screening accuracy. In response, a five-pillar screening model was developed that encompasses proactive risk detection, tailored nursing interventions, streamlined departmental handovers, staff capacity building, and a cycle of continuous evaluation. Ultimately, this refined model has proven effective in creating a seamless surveillance continuum, fostering a proactive culture in clinical monitoring that directly supports more timely interventions and mitigating potential postpartum complications.