Information, support, and follow‐up offered to women who experienced severe maternal morbidity

• Published in: International journal of gynecology and obstetrics 2018-06, Vol.141 (3), p.384-388
• Main Authors: Furniss, Mary, Conroy, Molly, Filoche, Sara, MacDonald, E. Jane, Geller, Stacie E., Lawton, Beverley
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Debrief; Follow‐up; Post‐partum depression; Psychosocial support; Severe maternal morbidity
• ISSN: 0020-7292; 1879-3479
• DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.12454

Objective To determine what information, support, and follow‐up were offered to women who had experienced severe maternal morbidity (SMM). Methods The present retrospective case review included patients who experienced SMM (admission to intensive care during pregnancy or up to 42 days postpartum) who had previously been reviewed for potential preventability as part of a nationwide New Zealand study performed between January 1 and December 31, 2014. Data were audited to ascertain documented evidence of an event debrief or explanation; referral to social support and/or mental health services; a detailed discharge letter; and a follow‐up appointment with a specialist. Results Of 257 patients who experienced SMM, 23 (8.9%) were offered all four components of care, 99 (38.5%) an event debrief, 102 (39.7%) a referral to social support and/or mental health services, 148 (57.6%) a detailed discharge letter, and 131 (51.0%) a follow‐up appointment. Conclusions Many women who had experienced SMM did not receive explanatory information about their illness, an offer of psychosocial support, or a follow‐up appointment prior to discharge from hospital. It is incumbent on clinicians and the maternity care system to improve these aspects of care for all women experiencing a potentially life‐changing SMM event to minimize the risk and burden of long‐term mental illness. Improved information, support, and follow‐up are needed for women who have had severe maternal morbidity.