Determinants of behaviors influencing implementation of maternal and perinatal death surveillance and response in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review of qualitative studies.

BACKGROUND: Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Review (MPDSR) can reduce mortality but its implementation is often suboptimal, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). OBJECTIVES: To understand the determinants of behaviors influencing implementation of MPDSR in LMICs (through a systematic review of qualitative studies), in order to plan an intervention to improve its implementation. SEARCH STRATEGY: Terms for maternal or perinatal death reviews and qualitative studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: Qualitative studies regarding implementation of MPDSR in LMICs. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We coded the included studies using the Theoretical Domains Framework and COM-B model of behavior change (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation). We developed guiding principles for interventions to improve implementation of MPDSR. MAIN RESULTS: Fifty-nine studies met our inclusion criteria. Capabilities required to conduct MPDSR (knowledge and technical/leadership skills) increase cumulatively from community to health facility and leadership levels. Physical and social opportunities depend on adequate data, human and financial resources, and a blame-free environment. All stakeholders were motivated to avoid negative consequences (blame, litigation, disciplinary action). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of MPDSR could be improved by (1) introducing structural changes to reduce negative consequences, (2) strengthening data collection tools and information systems, (3) mobilizing adequate resources, and (4) building capabilities of all stakeholders.

Use of herbal medicines for the management of type 2 diabetes: A systematic review of qualitative studies.

BACKGROUND: Many people with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) use herbal medicines, some of which can improve glycaemic control. Providing evidence-based advice on herbal medicines could be an effective intervention to improve control of diabetes, if it is designed to address key needs and concerns of T2DM patients. AIM: To understand the views and experiences of patients and health professionals on herbal treatments for self-management of T2DM. METHOD: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, SOCIOFILE and Google Scholar were searched for qualitative studies in T2DM patients about their views on herbal medicines. Included papers were analysed using thematic synthesis. RESULTS: Thirty-one papers (about 30 studies) were included: 20 from low-and-middle income countries, 10 from high income countries, and 1 internet-based study. Almost all studies from high income countries focussed on ethnic minorities. Many people with T2DM wanted a "cure", and often took advice from friends and family, but also traditional healers and mass media. However, they were reluctant to discuss herbal medicines with health professionals, whom they perceived as "closed-minded". They based their treatment decisions on personal experience (from "trial-and-error"), availability, cost and convenience of both herbal and conventional medicines. Most health professionals were reluctant to discuss herbal medicines, or recommended against their use, because of lack of knowledge and concerns about their quality, efficacy and potential interactions. CONCLUSION: Evidence-based information could help to overcome the current lack of communication about herbal medicines between people with T2DM and health professionals.

Community engagement in maternal and perinatal death surveillance and response (MPDSR): Realist review protocol.

Background: While there has been a decline in maternal and perinatal mortality, deaths remain high in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. With the sustainable development goals (SDGs) targets to reduce maternal and perinatal mortality, more needs to be done to accelerate progress and improve survival. Maternal and perinatal death surveillance and response (MPDSR) is a strategy to identify the clinical and social circumstances that contribute to maternal and perinatal deaths. Through MPDSR, an active surveillance and response cycle is established by bringing together different stakeholders to review and address these social and clinical factors. Community engagement in MPDSR provides a strong basis for collective action to address social factors and quality of care issues that contribute to maternal and perinatal deaths. Studies have shown that community members can support identification and reporting of maternal and/or perinatal deaths. Skilled care at birth has been increasing globally, but there are still gaps in quality of care. Through MPDSR, community members can collaborate with health workers to improve quality of care. But we do not know how community engagement in MPDSR works in practice; for whom it works and what aspects work (or do not work) and why. This realist review answers the question: which strategies of community engagement in MPDSR produce which outcomes in which contexts? Methods : For this realist review, we will identify published and grey literature by searching relevant databases for articles. We will include papers published from 2004 in all languages and from all countries. We have set up an advisory group drawn from academia, international organizations, and practitioners of both MPDSR and community engagement to guide the process. Conclusion: This protocol and the subsequent realist review will use theoretical approaches from the community engagement literature to generate theory on community engagement in MPDSR. Prospero registration number:  CRD42022345216.

Maternal and perinatal death surveillance and response: a systematic review of qualitative studies.

Objective: To understand the experiences and perceptions of people implementing maternal and/or perinatal death surveillance and response in low- and middle-income countries, and the mechanisms by which this process can achieve its intended outcomes. Methods: In June 2022, we systematically searched seven databases for qualitative studies of stakeholders implementing maternal and/or perinatal death surveillance and response in low- and middle-income countries. Two reviewers independently screened articles and assessed their quality. We used thematic synthesis to derive descriptive themes and a realist approach to understand the context-mechanism-outcome configurations. Findings: Fifty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Good outcomes (improved quality of care or reduced mortality) were underpinned by a functional action cycle. Mechanisms for effective death surveillance and response included learning, vigilance and implementation of recommendations which motivated further engagement. The key context to enable effective death surveillance and response was a blame-free learning environment with good leadership. Inadequate outcomes (lack of improvement in care and mortality and discontinuation of death surveillance and response) resulted from a vicious cycle of under-reporting, inaccurate data, and inadequate review and recommendations, which led to demotivation and disengagement. Some harmful outcomes were reported, such as inappropriate referrals and worsened staff shortages, which resulted from a fear of negative consequences, including blame, disciplinary action or litigation. Conclusion: Conditions needed for effective maternal and/or perinatal death surveillance and response include: separation of the process from litigation and disciplinary procedures; comprehensive guidelines and training; adequate resources to implement recommendations; and supportive supervision to enable safe learning.