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Table 1 Relationship between the EMEN standards and the eight WHO quality standards

From: Assessment of facility readiness for implementing the WHO/UNICEF standards for improving quality of maternal and newborn care in health facilities – experiences from UNICEF’s implementation in three countries of South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa

The 3 domains and how they translated into the initial 10 quality of care standards

Current WHO Standards for improving quality of maternal & newborn care in health facilities

Clinical Care

 1. Evidence-based safe antenatal care is provided.

 2. Evidence-based safe care is provided during labor and childbirth.

 3. Evidence-based safe postnatal care is provided for all mothers and the newborns.

Patients’ Rights

 4. Human rights are observed and the experience of care is dignified and respectful for every woman and newborn.

Crosscutting

 5. A governance system is in place to support the provision of quality maternal and newborn care.

 6. The physical environment of the health facility is safe for providing maternal and newborn care.

 7. Qualified and competent staff are available in adequate numbers to provide safe, consistent and quality maternal and newborn care.

 8. Essential drugs, supplies and functional equipment and diagnostic services are consistently available for maternal and newborn care.

 9. Health information systems are in place to manage patient clinical records and service data.

 10. Services are available to ensure continuity of care for all pregnant women, mothers and newborns.

Standard 1: Every woman and newborn receive routine, evidence-based care and management of complications during labour, childbirth and the early postnatal period, according to WHO guidelines.

Standard 2: The health information system enables use of data to ensure early, appropriate action to improve the care of every woman and newborn.

Standard 3: Every woman and newborn with condition(s) that cannot be dealt with effectively with the available resources is appropriately referred.

Standard 4: Communication with women and their families is effective and responds to their needs and preferences.

Standard 5: Women and newborns receive care with respect and preservation of their dignity.

Standard 6: Every woman and her family are provided with emotional support that is sensitive to their needs and strengthens the woman’s capability.

Standard 7: For every woman and newborn, competent, motivated staff are consistently available to provide routine care and manage complications.

Standard 8: The health facility has an appropriate physical environment, with adequate water, sanitation and energy supplies, medicines, supplies and equipment for routine maternal and newborn care and management of complications.