The Italian Obstetric Surveillance System: Implementation of a bundle of population-based initiatives to reduce haemorrhagic maternal deaths

Abstract

In this before and after cross-sectional analysis, the authors aim to assess the impact of the bundle of research and training initiatives implemented between 2013 and 2018, and coordinated by the Italian Obstetric Surveillance System (ItOSS) to reduce obstetric haemorrhagic emergencies in five selected Italian Regions. To this purpose, the haemorrhagic Maternal Mortality Ratios (MMR) per 100,000 live births were estimated before and after implementing the bundle, through the ItOSS’s vital statistic linkage procedures and incident reporting and Confidential Enquiries. The research and training bundle was offered to all health professionals involved in pregnancy and birth care in the selected regions, representing 40% of national live births, and participating in the ItOSS audit cycle since its institution. The haemorrhagic MMR significantly decreased from 2.49/100,000 live births [95% CI 1.75 to 3.43] in the years 2007–2013 prior to the bundle implementation, to 0.77/100,000 live births [95% CI 0.31 to 1.58] in the years 2014–2018 after its implementation. According to the study results, the bundle of population-based initiatives might have contributed to reducing the haemorrhagic MMR in the participating regions, thus improving the quality of care of the major obstetric haemorrhage.