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

Journal of Perinatology volume 41, pages 2141–2146 (2021)Cite this article

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Abstract

Objective

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

Study design

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.

Result

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.

Conclusion

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.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA

    Carla L. DeSisto, David Goodman & Elizabeth Conrey

  2. Bureau of Maternal, Child and Family Health, Ohio Department of Health, Columbus, OH, USA

    Reena Oza-Frank, Elizabeth Conrey & Cynthia Shellhaas

  3. Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA

    Cynthia Shellhaas

Authors
  1. Carla L. DeSisto
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  2. Reena Oza-Frank
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  3. David Goodman
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  4. Elizabeth Conrey
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  5. Cynthia Shellhaas
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Carla L. DeSisto.

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DeSisto, C.L., Oza-Frank, R., Goodman, D. et al. Maternal transport: an opportunity to improve the system of risk-appropriate care. J Perinatol 41, 2141–2146 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-021-00935-9

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