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. 2020 Mar;148(3):290-299.
doi: 10.1002/ijgo.13028. Epub 2019 Dec 23.

Postpartum hemorrhage care bundles to improve adherence to guidelines: A WHO technical consultation

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Postpartum hemorrhage care bundles to improve adherence to guidelines: A WHO technical consultation

Fernando Althabe et al. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2020 Mar.

Abstract

Objective: To systematically develop evidence-based bundles for care of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).

Methods: An international technical consultation was conducted in 2017 to develop draft bundles of clinical interventions for PPH taken from the WHO's 2012 and 2017 PPH recommendations and based on the validated "GRADE Evidence-to-Decision" framework. Twenty-three global maternal-health experts participated in the development process, which was informed by a systematic literature search on bundle definitions, designs, and implementation experiences. Over a 6-month period, the expert panel met online and via teleconferences, culminating in a 2-day in-person meeting.

Results: The consultation led to the definition of two care bundles for facility implementation. The "first response to PPH bundle" comprises uterotonics, isotonic crystalloids, tranexamic acid, and uterine massage. The "response to refractory PPH bundle" comprises compressive measures (aortic or bimanual uterine compression), the non-pneumatic antishock garment, and intrauterine balloon tamponade (IBT). Advocacy, training, teamwork, communication, and use of best clinical practices were defined as PPH bundle supporting elements.

Conclusion: For the first response bundle, further research should assess its feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness; and identify optimal implementation strategies. For the response to refractory bundle, further research should address pending controversies, including the operational definition of refractory PPH and effectiveness of IBT devices.

Keywords: Aortic compression; Bimanual compression; Intrauterine balloon tamponade; Non-pneumatic antishock garment; Obstetric hemorrhage; Patient care bundles; Postpartum hemorrhage; Tranexamic acid; Uterotonics.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest. SM received funds from Blue Fuzion. JMS received grants from USAID during the study. The views expressed in the study do not necessarily reflect the views of the WHO, USAID, or the US Government.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flowchart of phases and procedures performed for the development of PPH care bundles during the technical consultation.

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