Technology Helping Reduce Maternal Mortality and Morbidity

A smart electronic health record, using Maternal Early Warning system, was tested in a pilot study which is based only on routine recording of vital signs. An abnormal vital sign, when entered into the system, will create a visual alert, and an audible alarm, based on pre-set criteria. In addition, the system will provide possible diagnosis and up-to-date treatment guidelines, as pop-ups with references. The system will continue to give the alert until normal readings are entered. This helps the physicians to assess, response, and change course if no response is observed.