A systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies on maternal emergency transport in low- and middle-income countries

2013
This paper presents key findings and recommendations from a systematic review of qualitative literature on maternal emergency transport in low- and middle-income countries. It explores practices, barriers and facilitators in transport use.
This systematic literature review (of 29 relevant articles) explores practices, barriers and facilitators in transport use, a theme that has been little investigated despite its relevance to maternal health.Key findingsThis review confirmed that transport is a key requirement and determinant for maternal health, especially in terms of enabling access to emergency obstetric care. It showed that many forms of transport were used in order to access emergency obstetric care. It further identified a range of key transport-related issues that impact on access to care:
  • transport availability and speed
  • geography and meteorology
  • local support
  • women’s autonomy with regard to decision-making
  • culture
  • transport costs
  • lack of safety and comfort with regard to transport
RecommendationsThe authors propose recommendations to improve transport and access to emergency obstetric care, thereby contributing towards improving maternal health. Those include:
  • reducing transport time
  • improving transport options
  • taking into account geographical barriers
  • increasing community support and awareness
  • focusing on women empowerment
  • addressing culturally-embedded forms of exclusion
  • improving affordability
  • enhancing transport ergonomics
The abstract from this article can be accessed here. Payment of subscription is required for the full article.Wilson, A., Hillman S., Rosato M., Skelton J., Costello A., Hussein J., MacArthur C., C. A. (2012). A systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies on maternal emergency transport in low- and middle-income countries. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 122(3), 192–201.
Wilson, A., Hillman S., Rosato M., Skelton J., Costello A., Hussein J., MacArthur C., C. A. (2012). A systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies on maternal emergency transport in low- and middle-income countries. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 122(3), 192–201.
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