Maternal and child health journal
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Matern Child Health J · Dec 2000
Baltimore's consumer ombudsman and assistance program: an emerging public health service in Medicaid Managed Care.
To present Baltimore City Health Department's (BCHD) experience in developing and operating an ombudsprogram for Maryland's Medicaid Managed Care HealthChoice Program as an innovative public health response to its MCH Title V assurance functions. ⋯ Public health ombudsprograms can effectively assist and educate enrollees; and provide concurrent, or real-time, information for consumer, provider, health plan, and advocacy groups, as well as public policymakers and legislators to better inform systems improvement and innovation. The community-based ombudsman role is an effective mechanism to ensure appropriate care for MCH populations and others with special needs. Such efforts can be funded by federal/state Medicaid administrative funds and are a sound investment in assuring access to comprehensive care for vulnerable populations.
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Matern Child Health J · Aug 2013
Emergency obstetric referral in rural Sierra Leone: what can motorbike ambulances contribute? A mixed-methods study.
Giving birth remains a dangerous endeavour for many of the world's women. Progress to improve this has been slow in sub-Saharan Africa. The second delay, where transport infrastructure is key in allowing a woman to reach care, has been a relatively neglected field of study. ⋯ It is well known to the communities, is acceptable and accessible, and is valued by those it serves. District-wide traditional birth attendant training and the sensitisation activities provided a foundation for the introduction of the ambulance service, creating a high level of awareness of the service and its importance, particularly for women in labour. Motorbike ambulances are suited to remote areas and can function on poor roads inaccessible to other vehicles.