BACKGROUND: Most maternal deaths are preventable with emergency obstetric care; therefore, ensuring access is essential. There is little focused information on emergency transport of pregnant women. OBJECTIVES: The literature on emergency transport of pregnant women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) was systematically reviewed and synthesized to explore current practices, barriers, and facilitators for transport utilization. SEARCH STRATEGY: MEDLINE, EMBASE, BNI, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, African Index Medicus, ASSIA, QUALIDATA, RHL, and Science Citation Index (inception to April 2012) were searched without language restriction. SELECTION CRITERIA: Studies using qualitative methodology and reporting on emergency transportation in LMICs were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Thematic framework and synthesis through examination and translation of common elements were used to analyze and synthesize the data. MAIN RESULTS: Twenty-nine articles were included. Eight major themes were identified: time for transport; transport options; geography; local support; autonomy; culture; finance; and ergonomics. Key issues were transport availability; transport speed; terrain; meteorology; support; dependence for decision making; cultural issues; cost; and lack of safe, comfortable positioning during transport. CONCLUSION: Themes should be appreciated within local contexts to illuminate barriers and facilitators. Potential solutions include motorcycle ambulance programs, collaboration with taxi services, community education, subsidies, and vehicle maintenance.
BACKGROUND: Most maternal deaths are preventable with emergency obstetric care; therefore, ensuring access is essential. There is little focused information on emergency transport of pregnant women. OBJECTIVES: The literature on emergency transport of pregnant women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) was systematically reviewed and synthesized to explore current practices, barriers, and facilitators for transport utilization. SEARCH STRATEGY: MEDLINE, EMBASE, BNI, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, African Index Medicus, ASSIA, QUALIDATA, RHL, and Science Citation Index (inception to April 2012) were searched without language restriction. SELECTION CRITERIA: Studies using qualitative methodology and reporting on emergency transportation in LMICs were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Thematic framework and synthesis through examination and translation of common elements were used to analyze and synthesize the data. MAIN RESULTS: Twenty-nine articles were included. Eight major themes were identified: time for transport; transport options; geography; local support; autonomy; culture; finance; and ergonomics. Key issues were transport availability; transport speed; terrain; meteorology; support; dependence for decision making; cultural issues; cost; and lack of safe, comfortable positioning during transport. CONCLUSION: Themes should be appreciated within local contexts to illuminate barriers and facilitators. Potential solutions include motorcycle ambulance programs, collaboration with taxi services, community education, subsidies, and vehicle maintenance.
Authors: Jennifer A Price; Ana I F Sousa Soares; Augustine D Asante; Joao S Martins; Kate Williams; Virginia L Wiseman Journal: BMC Health Serv Res Date: 2016-09-30 Impact factor: 2.655
Authors: Rupa Kapoor; Leslie Avendaño; Maria Antonieta Sandoval; Andrea T Cruz; Esther M Sampayo; Miguel A Soto; Elizabeth A Camp; Heather L Crouse Journal: Glob Pediatr Health Date: 2017-07-13
Authors: Antony Gatebe Kironji; Peter Hodkinson; Sarah Stewart de Ramirez; Trisha Anest; Lee Wallis; Junaid Razzak; Alexander Jenson; Bhakti Hansoti Journal: BMC Health Serv Res Date: 2018-04-19 Impact factor: 2.655