Effectiveness of auditing in improving a pregnancy control program

A group of 234 women (Group 1) who had given birth during 1986-87 in the health center of Cartuja were compared with another group of 122 women giving birth in 1988 (Group 2) to analyze the process and quality of antenatal health care. Retrospective data collection took place by means of an internal audit and review of clinical documents. Significant differences and improvement occurred between the 1st and 2nd groups regarding completion of obstetrical formula (91.9% vs. 98%) gynecological examination (54.3% vs. 67%) detection of edemas (67.1% vs. 77%) determination of birth presentation (74.4% vs. 85%) and echography (57.3% vs. 73%). Completion of serology for syphilis declined significantly (l.3% vs. 75%). There was significant difference in the completion of tests for the detection of diabetes in the 1st trimester (72.6% vs. 84%) and anemia in the 1st trimester (78.8% vs. 90%) but not for the detection of urinary infection. There was no significant difference regarding the treatment of urinary infection and anemia. The gestation week of 1st visit (15.7 vs. 13) and the number of controls per pregnancy (5.2 vs. 6.1) also differed and improved significantly.