University of Birmingham

Prediction outcomes for postpartum haemorrhage: an external validation in electronic health records cohort study

This study investigates a risk calculator for postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), a potentially life-threatening condition where excessive bleeding occurs after birth. Drugs are routinely used during pregnancy to reduce PPH risk, with additional treatments available for higher-risk women. However, identifying those at risk is challenging, as many PPH cases occur in women without obvious risk factors.

A risk calculator developed in the USA aims to predict an individual’s PPH risk, but its effectiveness in the UK is unknown. Differences in diagnosis and care between the two countries may impact its accuracy. This study will test the calculator on UK data by analysing Electronic Health Records (EHRs) from West Midlands maternity services, which record around 20,000 pregnancies annually. These records, routinely collected by healthcare workers, include information on age, ethnicity, smoking, weight, and other risk factors.

By comparing pregnancies with and without PPH, this study will evaluate the calculator’s accuracy for predicting risk at the start of pregnancy. If effective, it could be used by women and healthcare staff to assess individual PPH risk. This study aims to improve care by refining PPH risk management, reducing risks, anxiety, and unnecessary treatments, ultimately enhancing safety and support for women and healthcare providers.

The expected benefits of this project for patients and the NHS are significant. For patients, it could improve care by identifying PPH risks and tailoring preventative treatments to those at higher risk. Women who need extra care would receive it, while others avoid unnecessary interventions, reducing stress during pregnancy.

For the NHS, the findings could prevent complications, improve outcomes, and reduce care needs, enabling more efficient resource allocation and potential cost savings. The results could also support evidence-based guidelines for managing PPH, ensuring consistent, high-quality care across maternity services.

By refining care pathways with data, the NHS can enhance maternal and fetal outcomes while maintaining a patient-centred approach. The public would benefit from greater safety, clarity, and efficiency in care, fostering trust in NHS maternity services.

04/11/2024

Maternity Badgernet Dataset (UHB), Maternity Badgernet Dataset (West Midlands) SDE027

West Midlands SDE trusted research environment

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