Evaluation of the use of a perinatal network platform of Yaoundé, Cameroon: a cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Neonatal mortality remains high in developing countries due to insufficient or inappropriate perinatal care. Perinatal network platform was developed in 2016 in Cameroon. This network fails to expand, justifying the present study aiming to evaluate the situation.

Methods: We did a cross sectional study in two referral hospital in Yaoundé, Cameroon. We were simultaneously following discussions on the Yaoundé perinatal network plate-form (YPN) and admissions in the referral hospitals to see effectiveness of their use.

Results: We included 172 new-borns of which 17 transferred through YPN, for a rate of use of 10%. Prematurity was the main reason for transfer. Conditions of transport were inadequate in most of the cases, especially in YPN non-users resulting in hypothermia on arrival for 9% of patients. There was no difference between YPN users and non-users regarding duration of transport.

Conclusion: The use of YPN was not optimal. The main reason of referral was prematurity. Conditions of transport were inadequate in most of the cases.