Chapter 12: Improving Blood Transfusion Services

Publication date: Available online 23 May 2019Source: Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & GynaecologyAuthor(s): Tara Tancred, Imelda BatesAbstractPostpartum haemorrhage contributes to 25% of maternal deaths worldwide, rising to 40% in Sub-Saharan Africa. Treatment of postpartum haemorrhage—particularly for anaemic women—requires timely, quality blood transfusions. There are a number of barriers to the provision of transfusion services, especially in low- and middle-income settings where the need is the greatest. These include unavailability of blood, unsafe blood, poor uptake of labour and delivery care, difficulties getting blood to transfusing facilities, and poor documentation of patient information. Examples of innovative and practical solutions to overcome these barriers are highlighted.
Source: Best Practice and Research Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology - Category: OBGYN Source Type: research