. 2018 Jun 16;8(1):010422. doi: 10.7189/jogh.08.010422

Table 2.

Factors that influence performance of postnatal home visits (from key informant interviews)

Factors relating to the general health system	Factors specific to PNHVs
• Government ownership and financing • Pilot-testing the model under realistic program conditions, revising the model based on evaluation findings, and only proceeding to phased scale-up if the model achieves acceptable results and demonstrates feasibility. • Adequacy of training, supervision, information collection for monitoring and evaluation, equipment and supplies, and availability of suitable referral sites for mothers and newborns with health problems. • Provisions for holding the cadre performing PNHVs accountable for services it provides.	• Adherence to a standard that mothers and newborns stay in facilities for 24 h post-delivery and be provided with high-quality PNC prior to discharge. • Schedule of PNHVs that is feasible and that may be complemented by facility-based PNC. • Positioning PNHVs as part of a life-course continuum of care rather than as a stand-alone service. • Cultivation of demand for home-based postnatal services, by clients who view the cadre providing them as competent and trustworthy, who are receptive to using government health services (including facility-based services), and who will allow health workers into their homes during the postnatal period. • Functional system for birth notification to the cadre performing PNHVs. • Availability of a cadre (to conduct PNHVs) that is qualified, motivated, has time to perform home visitation, and can access clients’ homes without undue burden. • Health worker access to transport to visit clients’ homes.

Factors relating to the general health system

Factors specific to PNHVs

• Government ownership and financing • Pilot-testing the model under realistic program conditions, revising the model based on evaluation findings, and only proceeding to phased scale-up if the model achieves acceptable results and demonstrates feasibility. • Adequacy of training, supervision, information collection for monitoring and evaluation, equipment and supplies, and availability of suitable referral sites for mothers and newborns with health problems. • Provisions for holding the cadre performing PNHVs accountable for services it provides.

• Adherence to a standard that mothers and newborns stay in facilities for 24 h post-delivery and be provided with high-quality PNC prior to discharge. • Schedule of PNHVs that is feasible and that may be complemented by facility-based PNC. • Positioning PNHVs as part of a life-course continuum of care rather than as a stand-alone service. • Cultivation of demand for home-based postnatal services, by clients who view the cadre providing them as competent and trustworthy, who are receptive to using government health services (including facility-based services), and who will allow health workers into their homes during the postnatal period. • Functional system for birth notification to the cadre performing PNHVs. • Availability of a cadre (to conduct PNHVs) that is qualified, motivated, has time to perform home visitation, and can access clients’ homes without undue burden. • Health worker access to transport to visit clients’ homes.

PNHV – postnatal home visits, PNC – postnatal care