Introduction of Routine Antenatal Anti-D Prophylaxis for all Rhesus Negative Women (RAADP) attending Cavan General Hospital.

Aims

The aim of this process improvement was to introduce routine antenatal anti-D prophylaxis (RAADP) injection at 28 weeks gestation to all Rhesus (Rh-D) negative women attending Cavan General Maternity services. This was initially achieved by outlining objectives which gave focus to the project. These objectives facilitated the development of the subsequent business case, implementation plan and evaluation process.

Rationale

The introduction of routine antenatal anti-D prophylaxis was in order to be fully compliant with the National Guideline recommendations by the Clinical Care Programme in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Change Process

The writer introduced this change using the Health Service Executive Organisational Development Model as a guiding document. This provided a structured and systematic approach which informed the change process. The four stages of change included initiation, planning, implementation and mainstreaming.

Evaluation

The evaluation of the project revealed benefits from training with excellent practice and service delivery. Compliance with routine antenatal anti-D prophylaxis was successful as evidenced by the laboratory audit carried out following implementation of the project.

Results and Conclusion

All women at Cavan General Hospital are now offered routine antenatal anti-D prophylaxis (RAADP) at 28 weeks gestation. There is a need to further develop the service in order to provide RAADP as an off-site amenity.