Resource availability for the management of maternal sepsis in Malawi, other low‐income countries, and lower‐middle‐income countries

Abstract Objective To assess the availability of key resources for the management of maternal sepsis and evaluate the feasibility of implementing the Surviving Sepsis Campaign ( SSC ) recommendations in Malawi and other low‐resource settings. Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted at health facilities in Malawi, other low‐income countries, and lower‐middle‐income countries during January–March 2016. English‐speaking healthcare professionals (e.g. doctors, nurses, midwives, and administrators) completed a questionnaire/online survey to assess the availability of resources for the management of maternal sepsis. Results Healthcare centers (n=23) and hospitals (n=13) in Malawi showed shortages in the resources for basic monitoring (always available in 5 [21.7%] and 10 [76.9%] facilities, respectively) and basic infrastructure (2 [8.7%] and 7 [53.8%], respectively). The availability of antibiotics varied between Malawian healthcare centers (9 [39.1%]), Malawian hospitals (8 [61.5%]), hospitals in other low‐income countries (10/17 [58.8%]), and hospitals in lower‐middle‐income countries (39/41 [95.1%]). The percentage of SSC recommendations that could be implemented was 33.3% at hospitals in Malawi, 30.3% at hospitals in other low‐income countries, and 68.2% at hospitals in lower‐middle‐income countries. Conclusion The implementation of existing SSC recommendations is unrealistic in low‐income countries because of resource limitations. New maternal sepsis care bundles must be developed that are applicable to low‐resource settings.