Strategies to combat maternal death in the hospital setting

Abstract

Introduction: Maternal mortality still represents a major public health problem, many obstetric deaths are preventable. A detailed analysis of the deaths allows the development of appropriate interventions to prevent these deaths. Purpose : To compare the trend of the occurrence of maternal deaths in a reference hospital for high-risk pregnancy before and after the implementation of strategies to combat maternal mortality. Method: the following variables were analyzed: strategies to combat maternal mortality, maternal mortality rate and ratio. The chi-square test was used to identify whether there was increase or reduction of maternal deaths in the period before and after the strategies were implemented. Results: the strategies found were: 1-elaborate care protocol; 2-dissemination and training on the protocol; 3- social network to disseminate information; 4- tools to optimize team communication; 5- empower patient and her companion; 6- do not change a person assigned to a service; 7- early detection of patient deterioration; 8- create quick response team; 9- optimize the supply of beds; 10 - individualized therapeutic plan; 11 - preventive actions to reduce falls; 12- promote proper hand washing. There was a trend of increased maternal deaths in the period prior to the implementation of the strategies, and a tendency to reduce after they became effective, 2013-2016. Conclusion: from 2013 to 2016, when the 12 strategies described in this study were implemented, there was a decreasing trend in maternal mortality in the institution.