Beyond simple subtraction: measuring anemia intervention impact correctly.
Our Core Insight is Correct: A simple `Latest HB - Initial HB` calculation is misleading. It fails to account for the different clinical realities of each trimester. We are not just trying to increase a score; we are managing risk in a dynamic biological environment.
The Goal: To measure impact in a way that reflects clinical nuance and accurately values risk mitigation, especially in the 3rd trimester.
[The Clinician's Perspective]
[The Data Scientist's Approach]
We must move beyond simple subtraction. Here are superior methods:
This method defines success based on clinical context. It's powerful and easy to communicate.
| Trimester of Intervention | Change in HB | Outcome Category |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd Trimester | Increase > 1.5 gm/dL | Excellent Improvement |
| Increase 0.5 - 1.5 gm/dL | Good Improvement | |
| 3rd Trimester | Increase > 0.5 gm/dL | Excellent Improvement |
| Increase or Decrease within 0.5 gm/dL | Successfully Maintained (A WIN) | |
| Decrease > 0.5 gm/dL | Concerning Trend |
Advantage: This correctly frames "no change" in the 3rd trimester as a success, aligning our data with clinical reality.
This measures the rate of change over time: `HB Velocity = (HB Change / Days Between Tests) * 30`. We can then compare the average monthly change for different patient groups.
[The Program Strategist's Message]
"Our intuition is spot on. Our goal is risk mitigation. When our calls help a 3rd-trimester patient maintain her Hb level, we are preventing a negative outcome. That is a success, and our new 'Success Matrix' will now recognize and celebrate that achievement."
Instead of a simple "before and after" chart, present the impact using the Success Matrix categories.
Example Narrative: "For our highest-risk patients in their final trimester—a period of intense physiological stress—our program successfully stabilized or improved hemoglobin levels in 75% of cases. This critical achievement in risk mitigation directly contributes to preventing last-minute complications and ensuring healthier birth outcomes."
This sophisticated approach demonstrates a deep understanding of maternal health, adds credibility to our impact claims, and tells a much more accurate and compelling story of our program's success.