Author(s)

Najma Naz^1,2*, Grace T.M. Dal Sasso², Sabiha Khanum³, Maria de Lourdes de Souza³, Vera Radünz⁴

¹Saidu Group of Teaching Hospital, Saidu Sharif, Pakistan.
²Post Graduate Program in Nursing (GIATE/UFSC), Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil.
³Post Graduate Program in Nursing (PEN/UFSC), Repensul Institute, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil.
⁴Post Graduate Program in Nursing (PEN/UFSC), Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil.

Aim: To analyze the role of available health technologies and techniques in reducing the number of women dying during pregnancy and childbirth. Background: Health condition of women during pregnancy and childbirth is very sensitive. During this period, proper and timely care plays an important role in reducing maternal mortality. Design: Whitte more and Knal’s framework for integrative reviews was followed in the review. PUBMED/MEDLINE, CINHAL and COCHRANE were searched for published studies between 2008 and 2015. Studies included were systematic reviews, randomized control trials, prospective cohort study, literature review and descriptive studies. Methods: 28 articles were selected to be included in the review. An integrative review approach was followed to analyze data and draw conclusions. Screening of titles and abstracts along with data extraction was completed by two authors independently. Study quality is not reported because of the methodological difficulties. Data synthesis consists of writing descriptive summaries and thematic analysis of the key findings in the included articles. Results: The included studies were based on health technologies and techniques including different devices and tools, medication and drugs, massage techniques, immersion in water, intervention radiology, simulations and training for the health professional. Conclusion: There are numerous health technologies and techniques which are relatively simple to develop, effective to use and safe to apply with no adverse effects. These include simulations and training programs, educational and awareness programs, decision support tools and information systems. Besides these, there are technologies and techniques which show promising results with no or very little adverse effects. These include Active management of the third stage of labour, use of magnesium sulphate, uterine balloon tamponade, wearable cardiac defibrillator and non-pneumatic anti-shock garment. The government, hospitals and care providers should make policies to develop and implement such type of technologies and techniques.

Health Technologies, Maternal Mortality, Pregnancy, Childbirth, Maternal Health

Naz, N. , Dal Sasso, G. , Khanum, S. , de Souza, M. and Radünz, V. (2016) The Contribution of Technological Approaches in Reducing Maternal Mortality: An Integrative Review. Open Journal of Nursing, 6, 133-147. doi: 10.4236/ojn.2016.63015.