Motorcycle ambulances for referral of obstetric emergencies in rural Malawi: Do they reduce delay and what do they cost?

Hofman, Jan, Dzimadzi, C., Lungu, K., Ratsma, E. Y. and Hussein, J. (2008) 'Motorcycle ambulances for referral of obstetric emergencies in rural Malawi: Do they reduce delay and what do they cost?'. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Vol 102, Issue 2, pp. 191-197.

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Abstract

Objectives: To assess whether motorcycle ambulances placed at rural health centers are a more effective method of reducing referral delay for obstetric emergencies than a car ambulance at the district hospital, and to compare investment and operating costs with those of a 4 wheel drive car ambulance at the district hospital. Methods: Motorcycle ambulances were placed at 3 remote rural health centers in Malawi. Data were collected over a 1-year period, from October 2001 to September 2002, using logbooks, cashbooks, referral forms, and maternity registers. Results: Depending on the site, median referral delay was reduced by 2-4.5 hours (35%-76%). Purchase price of a motorcycle ambulance was 19 times cheaper than for a car ambulance. Annual operating costs were US $508, which was almost 24 times cheaper than for a car ambulance. Conclusions: In resource-poor countries motorcycle ambulances at rural health centers are a useful means of referral for emergency obstetric care and a relatively cheap option for the health sector. (C) 2008 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	malawi motorcycle ambulance obstetric emergency referral system safe motherhood transport maternal mortality transport care nigeria
Subjects:	WA Public Health > Health Problems of Special Population Groups > WA 395 Health in developing countries WA Public Health > Health Administration and Organization > WA 525 General works WQ Obstetrics > WQ 100 General works WQ Obstetrics > Pregnancy Complications > WQ 240 Pregnancy complications (General) WX Hospitals and Other Health Facilities > Clinical Departments and Units > WX 215 Emergency service. Ambulance service
Faculty: Department:	Groups (2002 - 2012) > Child & Reproductive Health Group
Digital Object Identifer (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgo.2008.04.001
Depositing User:	Users 19 not found.
Date Deposited:	13 Aug 2010 10:04
Last Modified:	17 Jul 2020 10:58
URI:	https://archive.lstmed.ac.uk/id/eprint/809

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