American journal of obstetrics and gynecology
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Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. · Jun 2014
Multicenter StudyPreventability of severe acute maternal morbidity.
We sought to assess potential preventability of severe acute maternal morbidity (SAMM) cases admitted to intensive-care units (ICUs) or high-dependency units (HDUs). ⋯ The majority of SAMM cases were potentially preventable or required improvement in care. Themes around substandard care related to delay in diagnosis and treatment for postpartum hemorrhage and septicemia. These findings can inform clinical educational programs and policies to improve maternal outcomes. This study has now been expanded to a national New Zealand audit of all SAMM cases admitted to an ICU/HDU.