Model of obstetric attention based on critical care in Latin America.

PURPOSE: Report the results obtained following the implementation of an OCC (Obstetric Critical Care) model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an observational prospective study in obstetric population with high complexity illness attended in a safety and quality model of attention in a specific unit supporting the concept of obstetric critical care. Records were used as the primary source for collecting information, using the standards of the Center for Clinical Research.

RESULTS: In a 5-year period, 10,956 patients were admitted. About 51% had diseases that were not exclusive to pregnancy, 91% were admitted while pregnant and, from all births, 46% were by vaginal delivery. 1685 (19%) patients met the criteria for Near Miss Maternal Mortality (NMMM). Forty-three patients died, which represented a mortality rate of 0.49% of the total of hospitalized patients.

CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of an OOC model, security models, and an institutional support system improve the quality of care in the obstetric services of reference hospitals in developing countries.