This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to assess the compliance to the implementation of the Essential Intrapartum Newborn Care protocol of the birthing facilities in Lamitan City, Basilan. Included were 10 midwives and 2 nurses employed at the 4 birthing facilities. Three (3) components which are compliance in terms of practices, facility and outcome were assessed; the enablers and barriers to protocol implementation were also determined. These were accomplished using 5 data collection methods: participant observation and survey for practices using a checklist developed from the EINC guidelines, facility through inspection with the aid of a checklist derived from the pocket guide for newborn care, review of reports for outcome and key informant (heads of the birthing facility) interview for the enablers and barriers. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. There were 10 participants for the compliance assessment, wherein only 4 were assessed by the research assistant, while all 10 were able to complete the survey. Results showed that almost all participants were knowledgeable of the EINC guidelines. For facility, all 4 birthing centres have not complied with the required equipments and supplies; only midwives were EINC trained and a mismatch of personnel to the demand of work was noted. All facilities met with the set target outcome with zero (0) neonatal and maternal death, but only Limo-ok lying-in achieved the target number of deliveries of a birthing centre which is >351/year. Similar themes for enablers include presence of EINC trained personnel and being Philhealth accredited thru “MOA”, while barriers include lack of EINC training for other personnel, lack of equipments, medicines, and supplies. Recommendations include routine monitoring among facilities to ensure compliance and to address the barriers and strengthen the enablers identified.

Keyword: Essential intrapartum newborn care protocol Birthing facilities