The United Nations Process Indicators for emergency obstetric care: Reflections based on a decade of experience

Abstract Objective The paper reviews the experience with the EmOC process indicators, and evaluates whether the indicators serve the purposes for which they were originally created – to gather and interpret relatively accessible data to design and implement EmOC service programs. Method We review experience with each of the 6 process indicators individually, and monitoring change over time, at the level of the facility and at the level of a region or country. We identify problems encountered in the field with data collection and interpretation. Result While they have strengths and weaknesses, the process indicators in general serve the purposes for which they were developed. The data are easily collected, but some data problems were identified. We recommend several relatively minor modifications to improve data collection, interpretation and utility. Conclusions The EmOC process indicators have been used successfully in a wide variety of settings. They describe vital elements of the health system and how well that system is functioning for women at risk of dying from major obstetric complications.