Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026
A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn
Published on: April 7, 2023
Critical incident audit and feedback to improve perinatal and maternal mortality and morbidity
R C Pattinson1, L Say, J D Makin
1University of Pretoria, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kalafong Hospital, Private Bag X396, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa 0001. rcpattin@kalafong.up.ac.za
Background:
Audit and feedback of critical incidents is an established part of obstetric practice. However, the effect on perinatal and maternal mortality is unclear. The potential harmful effects and costs are unknown.
Objectives:
Is critical incident audit and feedback effective in reducing the perinatal mortality rate, the maternal mortality ratio, and severe neonatal and maternal morbidity?
Search Strategy:
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group Trials Register (January 2005), the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care Group Trials Register (January 2005), MEDLINE (1965 to December 2004), EMBASE (1965 to December 2004), SCIBASE (1965 to December 2004) and the World Health Organization systematic review of maternal mortality and morbidity database (January 1997 to December 2002).
Selection Criteria:
Randomized trials of audit (defined as any summary of clinical performance over a specified period of time) and feedback (method of feeding that information back to the clinicians) that reported objectively measured professional practice in a healthcare setting or healthcare outcomes.
Data Collection And Analysis:
No suitable trials were found.
Main Results:
None.
Authors' Conclusions:
The necessity of recording the number and cause of deaths is not in question. Mortality rates are essential in identifying problems within the healthcare system. Maternal and perinatal death reviews should continue to be held, until further information is available. The evidence from serial data clearly suggests more benefit than harm. Feedback is essential in any audit system. The most effective mechanisms for this are unknown, but it must be directed at the relevant people.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota
01:19Respiratory Assessment: Purpose and Indications
Objectives and Importance:
The primary goal of respiratory assessment is to evaluate patients at early risk of clinical deterioration. Since respiratory distress often precedes other signs of declining health, breathing patterns and sounds become a...
01:21Types of Reports II: Incident or Occurrence Report
Purposes:
In the healthcare industry, reports play a crucial role in documenting incidents within an agency. The primary objective of these reports is to ensure patient safety, uphold the...