Developing standards for postpartum hemorrhage in a resource-limited country

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Health Services Research
• Maternal Health

Background:

• Traditional expert panels develop care standards, often lacking broad implementation support.
• Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) remains a significant maternal health challenge in many low-resource settings.
• Effective PPH management requires clear, actionable standards of care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of establishing PPH care standards through collaboration.
• To involve diverse health professionals and policymakers in standard-setting.
• To promote local ownership and sustainability of PPH management guidelines.

Main Methods:

• A multidisciplinary team, including health professionals and policymakers, was convened in Malawi.
• Evidence from Malawi national guidelines and WHO manuals was utilized.
• Ten key objectives for PPH care were defined, with associated structure, process, and outcome measures.

Main Results:

• Collaborative development of 10 PPH care objectives was achieved.
• Standards covered prevention, diagnosis, and treatment aspects of PPH.
• The process engaged a wide range of healthcare providers and decision-makers.

Conclusions:

• Involving health professionals and policymakers in standard development is feasible.
• This inclusive approach can foster greater ownership and sustainability.
• Collaboration may facilitate resource allocation for implementing PPH standards.