National Audit of Severe Maternal Morbidity
National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 5th Floor, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Wilton, Cork
2011
To investigate the incidence and cause of severe maternal morbidity (SMM) in Ireland. Further, to investigate the location of maternal care for women requiring higher levels of care. This will assist in informing clinical practice, public health interventions and counselling of prospective mothers.
As major obstetric haemorrhage (MOH) continues to be the leading cause of SMM the NPEC commenced the MOH audit nationally in 2021.
National Audit all 19 maternity units are participating.
Data collection commenced in 2011 and is ongoing.
Designated severe maternal morbidity coordinators within all maternity units collate and submit data on women experiencing specific severe maternal morbidities and /or who require a higher level of care to the NPEC using a specific, detailed notification form.
Maternity services staff, unit co-ordinators, hospital senior management, hospital risk management, policy makers in the HSE, DOH staff, service users.
Data including maternal details (demographics, past medical history, current pregnancy details including delivery and maternal outcomes); hospital details; Baby outcome details.
Available on request from npec@ucc.ie
No.
Ethnic group, Gender.
SMM data is submitted either via the secure online NPEC database, or alternatively by paper format.
The NPEC adapted the validated methodology of the Scottish Confidential Audit Severe Maternal Morbidity (SCASMM) to evaluate SMM in Ireland. This methodology utilises organ dysfunction, SMM morbidities and management criteria including Interventional Radiology (IR) and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) management.
Iin 2019, similar to previous years, there were 375 cases.
National NPEC Perinatal Mortality Reports and individual maternity hospital reports published 12-18 months within end of data collection year.
NPEC have a data access policy. Applicants must complete a data request form which is reviewed by a data access committee.
https://www.ucc.ie/en/npec/dataaccesscommittee/dataaccesscommittee/
No.
This audit includes a supplementary audit major obstetric haemorrhage.