Resource availability for the management of maternal sepsis in Malawi, other low‐income countries, and lower‐middle‐income countries. Issue 2 (8th November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abdu, Mohammed; Wilson, Amie; Mhango, Chisale; Taki, Fatima; Coomarasamy, Arri; Lissauer, David
• Is Part Of: International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics. Volume 140:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 175
• Page End: 183
• Publication Date: 2017-11-08
• Subjects: Lower‐middle‐income countries -- Low‐income countries -- Low‐resource settings -- Malawi -- Maternal sepsis -- Resources -- Surviving Sepsis Campaign; Gynecology -- Periodicals; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 618
• DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.12350
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-7292

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To assess the availability of key resources for the management of maternal sepsis and evaluate the feasibility of implementing the Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) recommendations in Malawi and other low‐resource settings. Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted at health facilities in Malawi, other low‐income countries, and lower‐middle‐income countries during January–March 2016. English‐speaking healthcare professionals (e.g. doctors, nurses, midwives, and administrators) completed a questionnaire/online survey to assess the availability of resources for the management of maternal sepsis. Results: Healthcare centers (n=23) and hospitals (n=13) in Malawi showed shortages in the resources for basic monitoring (always available in 5 [21.7%] and 10 [76.9%] facilities, respectively) and basic infrastructure (2 [8.7%] and 7 [53.8%], respectively). The availability of antibiotics varied between Malawian healthcare centers (9 [39.1%]), Malawian hospitals (8 [61.5%]), hospitals in other low‐income countries (10/17 [58.8%]), and hospitals in lower‐middle‐income countries (39/41 [95.1%]). The percentage of SSC recommendations that could be implemented was 33.3% at hospitals in Malawi, 30.3% at hospitals in other low‐income countries, and 68.2% at hospitals in lower‐middle‐income countries. Conclusion: The implementation of existing SSC recommendations is unrealistic in low‐income countries because of resource limitations. New maternal sepsis care bundles must be developed that are applicable to low‐resource settings. Abstract : Limited resources make the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines unsuitable for maternal care in low‐income countries; new maternal sepsis guidance specific to low‐income countries is required.