Abstract:In-hospital maternal mortality rates in Sudan are currently high, at 0.09%. According to World Health Organisation standards in-hospital maternal mortality should not exceed 0.025%.2 Common contributory factors are numerous, both in-hospital and in the community. This study aims to identify specific contributors to maternal mortality and morbidity in Ibrahim Malik Teaching Hospital and to make recommendations for minimizing them.
Methods- The study basis was an initial case study of maternal morbidity in Ibrahim Malik Teaching Hospital (IMTH) with subsequent exploration of contributory factors. A participatory rapid appraisal approach was used, employing observational checklists and semi-structured interviews in order to identify problems at every level of the hospital system and cross-checking information with different stakeholders.
Results- Results identified primary delays in seeking care and suboptimal care delivery as the main contributors to in-hospital maternal mortality and morbidity in IMTH. Interviews with patients and staff also highlighted a need for more patient education and more supervision and training opportunities for junior staff.
Conclusion- Recommendations based on the literature and the situation of IMTH included inaugurating a voluntary blood donation scheme, ensuring knowledge of blood transfusion system for all house officers, training midwives to run in-hospital antenatal classes and holding regular consultant-led case review workshops for junior staff.