Audit of Emergency Obstetrical Referrals from District Hospital of Aspiring District in Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Introduction: Maternal death in India is still high, alone accounting for a fifth of total global burden.3 By providing effective emergency obstetrical care and referral system, maternal mortality and morbidity can be reduced. Material and Method: This is retrospective descriptive study, conducted with analysis of routinely collected data for the period of 6 months, this study was conducted at district hospital, Bahraich which is 300 bedded tertiary level health facility. Result: A total of 5443 women were admitted for delivery over a period of 6 months. Out of total admitted women 139 were referred to higher centre, the referral rate was 2.55%. Among the deliveries conducted at the DH, vaginal delivery account for 78.997% of total delivered patients, 21.003% women delivered by cesarean section. Anemia is the most common cause of referrals which is 21.58% of total referred women. Eclampsia/severe preeclampsia is 2nd most common cause of referral (16.55% of total referral). Large number of patients 38.13% were coming from a distance of more than 20 km but within 50 km. 14.39% of total referred women were travelling a distance of 50–100 km to come to the DH. 22.30% women were conscious but having unstable vitals at the time of admission. 12.23% (17 out of 139) women were unconscious with low GCS scale. Conclusion: This study highlights the deficiency human resources, infrastructure and equipment at district hospital level hampering the provision of EmOC. If these issues are adequately addressed, it would greatly enhance health facility for providing EmOC.