Section on Adapting Interventions to Improve Maternal Health Outcomes (IMH)

Globally, obstetric hemorrhage (OH) remains the leading cause of maternal mortality, despite the fact that most cases are preventable. Much of the OH-associated mortality is ascribed to challenges surrounding deployment of interventions rather than a lack of available evidence-based interventions. In LMICs, where OH-attributable mortality is highest, there is a growing interest in implementation research as a means to bridge the ‘know-do’ gap between proven interventions and their reliable implementation at scale.

The maternal health outcomes section of the ISEE lab focuses on implementing evidence-based interventions (EBI) to prevent OH through collaborative implementation research with partners in LMICs (e.g.,Tanzania and Nigeria). We are engaged in proposed research that will assess contributing factors to OH-related morbidity and mortality at urban facilities in Nigeria. Results of needs assessments will inform development of an EBI to prevent OH: a modified tool developed in the US to assess OH risk during the antenatal period. This tool will be adapted to the local context and integrated into systems for timely referral of those at greatest risk of OH to tertiary hospitals with capacity for emergency comprehensive obstetric care (EmOC), including transfusion of blood and blood products.

Our Work:

Collaborate with Institute for Health Metric (IHME) on Global Burden of Disease for Maternal Health outcomes data
Conduct a hybrid clinical effectiveness and implementation trial of an insertable vaginal cup to help women manage urinary incontinence due to obstetric fistula and improve quality of life

Section Leader: Emmanuel Peprah, PhD