Using criteria-based audit to improve the management of postpartum haemorrhage in resource limited countries: a case study of Malawi.
OBJECTIVE
The goal of this study was to assess and improve the management of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) in maternity units in Malawi. The main objective was to determine whether criteria-based audit can improve adherence to standards for the management of PPH.


METHODS
We used a before-and-after design and univariate statistics for data analysis. A retrospective review of 40 consecutive cases of PPH was conducted in eight hospitals and the results compared with standards for PPH, established based on World Health Organisation manuals.


RESULTS
of the audit were presented to healthcare providers who made and implemented recommendations for improvement. A re-audit (45 cases) was conducted 3 months later.


RESULTS
There was a significant improvement in adherence to three standards: typing and cross-match carried out (65.0% vs. 84.4%; P = 0.034), patient's hematocrit or haemoglobin established (67.5% vs. 86.7%; P = 0.029), and fluid intake/output chart maintained (0.0% vs 33.3%; P < 0.001). There was no significant change in close monitoring of vital signs (32.5% vs. 53.3%, P = 0.065) and case fatality rate (10.0% vs. 6.7%, P = 0.702), intravenous access achieved and intravenous fluids administered (100.0% vs. 97.8%; P = 0.735), and oxytocic drugs administered (100.0% vs. 95.6%; P = 0.357).


CONCLUSIONS
Introduction of criteria-based audit can improve the management of postpartum haemorrhage in countries with limited resources. Future studies should consider using larger sample size to evaluate the effect of criteria-based audit on mortality.
Kongnyuy
Eugene J
EJ
Child and Reproductive Health Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK. kongnyuy@liverpool.ac.uk
Mlava
Grace
G
van den Broek
Nynke
N
D000328:Adult; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D008295:Malawi / Q000453:epidemiology; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000592:standards; D008485:Medical Audit; D006473:Postpartum Hemorrhage / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D012189:Retrospective Studies
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