Process Evaluation of Antenatal Oral Healthcare Programme: A Qualitative Study Among Healthcare Providers in Selangor, Malaysia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24191/cos.v13i1.6231Keywords:
antenatal mothers, oral health programme, SWOT analysis, healthcare providers, qualitative studyAbstract
Objective: This study evaluated the implementation of the Oral Healthcare Programme (OHCP) for antenatal mothers in Selangor from the perspectives of antenatal care providers (ANCPs) using a SWOT framework.
Materials and Methods: A qualitative exploratory design was employed involving Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) with dental officers, medical officers, and nurses/midwives from three districts in Selangor. Participants were purposively sampled, and interviews were conducted virtually using Zoom platform. Data were thematically analysed guided by SWOT analysis principles.
Results: The identified OHCP’s strengths include integrating oral health into maternal services, committed healthcare personnel, and accessible services. The programme’s weaknesses include a limited workforce, inadequate cross-sectoral collaboration, and inconsistent referral mechanisms. The highlighted opportunities include digital innovation and enhanced training, while the threats of the OHCP were the funding constraints, lack of prioritization in maternal health, and sustainability concerns.
Conclusions: The study identifies the need for an improvised level of interprofessional coordination, standardized workflows, and innovative educational strategies, such as digital tools, to improve programme coverage and sustainability. Strengthening resource allocation and policy support are crucial for optimizing the impact of antenatal oral healthcare.
Keywords: antenatal mothers, oral health programme, SWOT analysis, healthcare providers, qualitative study
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