Maternal transport: an opportunity to improve the system of risk-appropriate care

To assess how often maternal transport preceded pregnancy-related deaths and describe contributing factors and recommendations related to maternal transport.

We used Ohio maternal mortality review committee (MMRC) data from 2010 to 2016. We defined two transport types among pregnancy-related deaths: field to hospital and hospital to hospital. We examined deaths determined by the MMRC to be potentially preventable by transfer to a higher level of care and described contributing factors and recommendations.

Among 136 pregnancy-related deaths, 56 (41.2%) were transported. Among 15 deaths identified as potentially preventable by transfer to a higher level of care, 5 were transported between hospitals. Contributing factors for 14 deaths included inadequate response by Emergency Medical Services and lack of transport to a higher level of care.

Our results suggest opportunities for examining modification and adherence to existing protocols. Improving risk-appropriate maternal care systems is important for preventing pregnancy-related deaths.