Global and regional estimates of maternal near miss: a systematic review, meta-analysis and experiences with application.

INTRODUCTION: Maternal near miss (MNM) is a useful means to examine quality of obstetric care. Since the introduction of the WHO MNM criteria in 2011, it has been tested and validated, and is being used globally. We sought to systematically review all available studies using the WHO MNM criteria to develop global and regional estimates of MNM frequency and examine its application across settings. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review by implementing a comprehensive literature search from 2011 to 2018 in six databases with no language restrictions. The predefined data collection tool included sections on study characteristics, frequency of near-miss cases and study quality. Meta-analysis was performed by regional groupings. Reported adaptations, modifications and remarks about application were extracted. RESULTS: 7292 articles were screened by title and abstract, and 264 articles were retrieved for full text review for the meta-analysis. An additional 230 articles were screened for experiences with application of the WHO MNM criteria. Sixty studies with near-miss data from 56 countries were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled global near-miss estimate was 1.4% (95% CI 0.4% to 2.5%) with regional variation in MNM frequency. Of the 20 studies that made adaptations to the criteria, 19 were from low-resource settings where lab-based criteria were adapted due to resource limitations. CONCLUSIONS: The WHO MNM criteria have enabled the comparison of global and sub-national estimates of MNM frequency. There has been good uptake in low-resource countries but contextual adaptations are necessary.

Early evaluation of the 'STOP SEPSIS!' WHO Global Maternal Sepsis Awareness Campaign implemented for healthcare providers in 46 low, middle and high-income countries.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in awareness of maternal sepsis among healthcare providers resulting from the WHO Global Maternal Sepsis Study (GLOSS) awareness campaign. DESIGN: Independent sample precampaign/postcampaign through online and paper-based surveys available for over 30 days before campaign roll-out (pre) and after study data collection (post). Descriptive statistics were used for campaign recognition and exposure, and odds ratio (OR) and percentage change were calculated for differences in awareness, adjusting for confounders using multivariate logistic regression. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Healthcare providers from 398 participating facilities in 46 low, middle and high-income countries. INTERVENTION: An awareness campaign to accompany GLOSS launched 3 weeks prior to data collection and lasting the entire study period (28 November 2017 to 15 January 2018) and beyond. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Campaign recognition and exposure, and changes in awareness. RESULTS: A total of 2188 surveys were analysed: 1155 at baseline and 1033 at postcampaign. Most survey respondents found the campaign materials helpful (94%), that they helped increase awareness (90%) and that they helped motivate to act differently (88%). There were significant changes with regard to: not having heard of maternal sepsis (-63.4% change, pre-OR/post-OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.68) and perception of confidence in making the right decisions with regard to maternal sepsis identification and management (7.3% change, pre-OR/post-OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.06). CONCLUSIONS: Awareness raising campaigns can contribute to an increase in having heard of maternal sepsis and an increase in provider perception of confidence in making correct decisions. Offering the information to make accurate and timely decisions while promoting environments that enable self-confidence and support could improve maternal sepsis identification and management.