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BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research article

Adaptation of the WHO maternal near miss tool for use in sub–Saharan Africa: an International Delphi study

Authors: Abera K. Tura, Jelle Stekelenburg, Sicco A. Scherjon, Joost Zwart, Thomas van den Akker, Jos van Roosmalen, Sanne J. Gordijn

Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

Assessments of maternal near miss (MNM) are increasingly used in addition to those of maternal mortality measures. The World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced an MNM tool in 2009, but this tool was previously found to be of limited applicability in several low–resource settings. The aim of this study was to identify adaptations to enhance applicability of the WHO MNM tool in sub–Saharan Africa.

Methods

Using a Delphi consensus methodology, existing MNM tools were rated for applicability in sub-Saharan Africa over a series of three rounds. Maternal health experts from sub-Saharan Africa or with considerable knowledge of the context first rated importance of WHO MNM parameters using Likert scales, and were asked to suggest additional parameters. This was followed by two confirmation rounds. Parameters accepted by at least 70% of the panel members were accepted for use in the region.

Results

Of 58 experts who participated from study onset, 47 (81%) completed all three rounds. Out of the 25 WHO MNM parameters, all 11 clinical, four out of eight laboratory, and four out of six management–based parameters were accepted, while six parameters (PaO2/FiO2 < 200 mmHg, bilirubin >100 μmol/l or >6.0 mg/dl, pH <7.1, lactate >5 μmol/l, dialysis for acute renal failure and use of continuous vasoactive drugs) were deemed to not be applicable. An additional eight parameters (uterine rupture, sepsis/severe systemic infection, eclampsia, laparotomy other than caesarean section, pulmonary edema, severe malaria, severe complications of abortions and severe pre-eclampsia with ICU admission) were suggested for inclusion into an adapted sub-Saharan African MNM tool.

Conclusions

All WHO clinical criteria were accepted for use in the region. Only few of the laboratory- and management based were rated applicable. This study brought forward important suggestions for adaptations in the WHO MNM criteria to enhance its applicability in sub-Saharan Africa and possibly other low–resource settings.
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Metadata
Title
Adaptation of the WHO maternal near miss tool for use in sub–Saharan Africa: an International Delphi study
Authors
Abera K. Tura
Jelle Stekelenburg
Sicco A. Scherjon
Joost Zwart
Thomas van den Akker
Jos van Roosmalen
Sanne J. Gordijn
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2393
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-017-1640-x

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