Barriers to the efficient implementation of the neonatal Group B Streptococcal (GBS) disease prevention programme. A retrospective documentation analysis, eastern Croatia

Abstract Objectives. To analyse the implementation status of the neonatal Group B Streptococcal (GBS) disease prevention programme in the town of Osijek area, eastern Croatia.Methods. A retrospective analysis of archive documentation on an annual basis (2016). A conversation with gynaecologists was conducted to complement this analysis.Results. There was a prevalent proportion of the GBS swab culture findings (3/4) of cervical origin, as gynaecologists use this technique in a wide range of risk conditions related to pregnancy and as a screening technique, as well. The universal screening was performed in almost every second pregnant women (44.7%). This proportion could be a higher, counting on that the cervical swab sampling is customised among gynaecologists. The approximate prevalence of maternal GBS colonisation was above 6%. The prevalence of neonatal sepsis was 6.46%. In a major part of new-borns with sepsis, the infectious agent was unknown (92%). The GBS caused sepsis was found in 7 (5%) cases. Infectious agents other than GBS were found in 4 (3%) cases.Conclusions. The problem oriented hospital documentation, supported by the ICT system, is a prerequisite for a continuous monitoring of implementation of the neonatal GBS disease prevention programme.