Investigator(s)
| Submitter |
Tashi Tshomo 'Ministry of Health' Tashi Tshomo 
|
| Principal Investigator |
Tashi Tshomo 'Ministry of Health' Tashi Tshomo
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Deki Pem 'Faculty of Nursing and Public Health, KGUMSB' Deki Pem
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Karma Tenzin 'Ministry of Health' Karma Tenzin
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Chimmi Dem 'Ministry of Health' Chimmi Dem
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Laigden Dzed 'Ministry of Health' Laigden Dzed
|
Title(s) and abstract
| Scientific title | History, Development, and Evolution of the Mother and Child Health Handbook in Bhutan |
| Public title | History, Development, and Evolution of the Mother and Child Health Handbook in Bhutan |
| Background | The MCH handbook was introduced in Bhutan by the Ministry of Health in the 1980s and has progressively evolved to become more comprehensive, adapting to changing needs and demands over time. As part of the universal health care, the MCH handbook is distributed to every woman when they visit the health facility to register their pregnancy. This MCH handbook serves as an important document that tracks the health of a mother and child, documenting services and conditions from pregnancy till the child reaches five years old. It also records essential clinical information and an advocacy message for women to follow through during pregnancy, delivery and after delivery and till the child is of five years old. Despite the critical role played by the MCH handbook, there is no available research in the country that documents the history, evolution, and implementation of this handbook in Bhutan. Such research is critical to understanding how the tool has been adapted to local health systems, community needs, and evolving public health priorities over time. This will generate valuable institutional memory to ensure that lessons learned are preserved and guide future program designs. Such an insight will also create opportunities for knowledge sharing with other countries with a similar context and health system, who might benefit from Bhutan’s experience. Thus, this study will also fill an important research gap in the country. |
| Objectives | To document the history and development of the MCH handbook in Bhutan, including its origins and purpose. To analyse the factors that influenced its evolution, such as drivers of change, enablers, barriers, and stakeholder perspectives. To compare handbook versions and triangulate findings from interviews and documents to produce a coherent narrative of its transformation |
| Study Methods | The study will employ a qualitative data analysis approach, integrating thematic analysis of KII with systematic document analysis to construct a comprehensive narrative of MCH handbook development and evolution. |
| Expected outcomes and use of results | The findings are expected to generate valuable institutional memory, inform program design, and create opportunities for knowledge sharing with countries in similar contexts. Furthermore, it is expected to contribute to the global evidence on effective strategies for maternal and child health, promote health and well-being of women and children. |
| Keywords | Mother and Child Health Handbook, health promotion, maternal health |
Research Details
| Student research | No |
| Start Date | 01-Jan-2026 |
| End Date | 31-Aug-2026 |
| Key Implementing Institution | Ministry of Health |
| Multi-country research | No |
| Nationwide research | Yes |
| Research Domain(s) | Maternal, Reproductive and Child Health |
| Research field(s) | Other (Mother and Child Health) |
| Involves human subjects | Yes |
| Qualitative Study | |
| Data Collection | Primary and secondary data |
| Proposal reviewed by other Committee | No |