Research
Consideration of essential elements of obstetric care at first
referral level and the skills and materials needed opens up many areas for
further research. Research is needed on appropriate technology, for example, to
develop reliable and inexpensive methods for detecting and measuring anaemia,
durable tubing for vacuum extractors, and simple and effective partographs for
use at primary level.
Health systems research is needed to investigate the effects of
delegating obstetric functions to health workers other than doctors and to
peripheral health
facilities.
