Adherence to ministry of health guidelines in management of severe pre-eclampsia/eclampsia in Pumwani maternity hospital, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Guidelines have shown to impact positively on the management of medical conditions. The impact of these guidelines has not been evaluated for severe preeclampsia and eclampsia in Kenya. Objective: To evaluate the level of adherence to Kenya Ministry of Health (MOH) guidelines in the management of severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia at Pumwani Maternity Hospital, Kenya. Design: A cross sectional Setting: Pumwani Maternity Hospital, Kenya. Subjects: Records of women managed for severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, delivered between 2010 and 2013. Results: The overall adherence to guidelines was 31.4%. Adherence to specific parameters: history taking and examination, investigations, fetomaternal monitoring, use of recommended guidelines and post-partum guidelines was 67.8%, 13.9%, 26.1%, 29.5% and 20% respectively. Conclusions: Adherence to Kenya Ministry of Health (MOH) guidelines in management of severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia in Pumwani Maternity Hospital is poor. Studies on the reasons for poor adherence and implementation need to be carried out.