Introduction of criterion-based audit of postpartum hemorrhage in a university hospital in eastern Ethiopia: Implementation and considerations

Abera Kenay Tura*, Yasmin Aboul-Ela, Sagni Girma Fage, Semir Sultan Ahmed, Sicco Scherjon, Jos van Roosmalen, Jelle Stekelenburg, Joost Zwart, Thomas van den Akker

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

With postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) continuing to be the leading cause of maternal mortality in most low-resource settings, an audit of the quality of care in health facilities is essential. The purpose of this study was to identify areas of substandard care and establish recommendations for the management of PPH in Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, eastern Ethiopia. Using standard criteria (n = 8) adapted to the local hospital setting, we audited 45 women with PPH admitted from August 2018 to March 2019. Four criteria were agreed as being low: IV line-setup (32 women, 71.1%), accurate postpartum vital sign monitoring (23 women, 51.1%), performing typing and cross-matching (22 women, 48.9%), and fluid intake/output chart maintenance (6 women, 13.3%). In only 3 out of 45 women (6.7%), all eight standard criteria were met. Deficiencies in the case of note documentation and clinical monitoring, non-availability of medical resources and blood for transfusion, as well as delays in clinical management were identified. The audit created awareness, resulting in self-reflection of current practice and promoted a sense of responsibility to improve care among hospital staff. Locally appropriate recommendations and an intervention plan based on available resources were formulated.

Original languageEnglish
Article number9281
Pages (from-to)1-11
Number of pages11
JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Volume17
Issue number24
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Dec 2020

Keywords

  • Criterion-based audit
  • Ethiopia
  • Postpartum hemorrhage

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Introduction of criterion-based audit of postpartum hemorrhage in a university hospital in eastern Ethiopia: Implementation and considerations'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this