PRB

Researchers from the University of Liberia College of Health Sciences, in partnership with the University of Michigan School of Nursing and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, developed and tested a mobile obstetric emergency system (MORES) that reduced decision-to-delivery time in Bong County, Liberia, shortening the time between the decision to perform an emergency surgical birth and delivery of the newborn. By improving communication among health workers during obstetric triage with WhatsApp, a mobile messaging service, a MORES can help prevent deaths from emergencies related to pregnancy and childbirth.

This brief provides additional information on cesareans and triage and how better communication can be lifesaving for mothers and newborns. In addition to sharing details of the research and an example of closed-loop communication system at work, the brief provides two recommendations for the Liberian Ministry of Health to reduce decision-to-delivery times and improve perinatal outcomes, thereby saving lives.