Authors : Zamira Cabiri; Brunildamehilli; Blerina Bani; Kace Baushi; Armela Kapaj; Elona Dybeli; Niketa Kolici; Miranda Kokoshi

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 2 - February

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/4khsktxm

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26feb492

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Abstract : Standardization of home follow-up services for newborns improves the quality of healthcare by ensuring healthy growth and development of children and, consequently, contributes to the reduction of infant mortality. In Albania, since 2014, a national protocol has been in place that standardizes child follow-up within primary healthcare services. This study aimed to assess postnatal care, the barriers to service quality, and the primary healthcare system's capacity to provide high-quality care. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed, using a structured questionnaire administered via the Google Forms platform and distributed to healthcare personnel working in child consultation centers. A total of 115 healthcare professionals, including physicians and nurses, participated in the study. Data were analyzed using SPSS, version 27. Difficulties in newborn follow-up were mainly related to delays in conducting initial visits. Manual data delivery (89.6%) and problems in locating addresses (62.6%) contributed significantly to these delays. As a result, 58.6% of respondents reported that the first home visits were conducted more than two days after birth, contrary to established protocols. Furthermore, 74.8% of healthcare staff suggested that electronic birth records should be sent directly to consultation centers, as paper-based records (hard copies) delivered manually cause delays and often lack essential information regarding the mother and the newborn. In addition, consultation centers lacked protocols and printed materials (35.7%), some staff had not received training, and 94.8% expressed the need for continuous education. Delays in receiving data from maternity hospitals, difficulties in locating addresses, and the lack of standardized protocols or training hinder timely home visits and limit effective monitoring of child development.

Keywords : Protocol, Postpartum Period, Consultation, Electronic Medical Record, Follow-Up.

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