General obstetrics
Introducing maternal morbidity audit in the Netherlands
Article first published online: 26 JAN 2010
DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2009.02480.x
© 2010 The Authors Journal compilation © RCOG 2010 BJOG An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Issue

BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Volume 117, Issue 4, pages 416–421, March 2010
Additional Information
How to Cite
van Dillen, J., Mesman, J., Zwart, J., Bloemenkamp, K. and van Roosmalen, J. (2010), Introducing maternal morbidity audit in the Netherlands. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 117: 416–421. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2009.02480.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 8 FEB 2010
- Article first published online: 26 JAN 2010
- Accepted 29 November 2009. Published Online 26 January 2010.
- Abstract
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Keywords:
- Audit;
- severe acute maternal morbidity;
- substandard care;
- the Netherlands
Please cite this paper as: van Dillen J, Mesman J, Zwart J, Bloemenkamp K, van Roosmalen J. Introducing maternal morbidity audit in the Netherlands. BJOG 2010;117:416–421.
Objective To describe the panel audit process and to identify substandard care in selected women from a nationwide prospective cohort study into severe acute maternal morbidity (SAMM) in the Netherlands.
Design Prospective audit of selected women with SAMM.
Setting Eight audit meetings held throughout the Netherlands.
Population All pregnant women in the Netherlands.
Methods Before each meeting, SAMM details of selected women were sent to all panel members for individual assessment by completing an audit form. During a subsequent plenary meeting, findings were discussed and substandard care factors as judged by the majority of assessors were scored.
Main outcome measures Incidence of substandard care and recommendations for improving the quality of care.
Results Substandard care was identified in 53 of 67 women (79%). Specific recommendations were formulated concerning the procedure of audit and concerning local as well as national management guidelines.
Conclusion Our findings reflect SAMM in the Netherlands and substandard care is present in four out of five women. Ongoing audit of women with SAMM is promoted both at local and national level.

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