A criteria-based audit of the management of severe pre-eclampsia in Kampala, Uganda.
OBJECTIVE
To improve the quality of clinical care for women with severe pre-eclampsia.


METHODS
A criteria-based audit was conducted in a large government hospital in Uganda. Management practices were evaluated against standards developed by an expert panel by retrospectively evaluating 43 case files. Results of the audit were presented, and recommendations developed and implemented. A re-audit was conducted 6 months later.


RESULTS
The initial audit showed that most standards were rarely achieved. Reasons were discussed. Guidelines were produced, additional supplies were purchased following a fundraising effort, labor ward procedures were streamlined, and staffing was increased. In the re-audit there were significant improvements in diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Criteria-based audit can improve the quality of maternity care in countries with limited resources.
Weeks
A D
AD
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda. aweeks@liv.ac.uk
Alia
G
G
Ononge
S
S
Otolorin
E O
EO
Mirembe
F M
FM
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D008485:Medical Audit; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D009775:Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Hospital / Q000592:standards*; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000628:therapy*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D014454:Uganda