The effectiveness of emergency obstetric referral interventions in developing country settings: a systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Pregnancy complications can be unpredictable and many women in developing countries cannot access health facilities where life-saving care is available. This study assesses the effects of referral interventions that enable pregnant women to reach health facilities during an emergency, after the decision to seek care is made.

Methods and findings

Selected bibliographic databases were searched with no date or language restrictions. Randomised controlled trials and quasi experimental study designs with a comparison group were included. Outcomes of interest included maternal and neonatal mortality and other intermediate measures such as service utilisation. Two reviewers independently selected, appraised, and extracted articles using predefined fields. Forest plots, t

SUBMITTER: Hussein J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3393680 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature