Evaluation of the quality of maternal death review cycles in Burkina Faso.

Objective: To assess the quality of the maternal death review (MDR) cycle in selected health facilities in Burkina Faso in accordance with national standards.

Methods: A multiple case study using a qualitative approach performed in five health districts and two regional hospital centers in Burkina Faso. The facilities were chosen by contrasted purposive sampling based on hospital maternal mortality rate and urban or rural location. Structured and semistructured interviews were conducted and data analyzed thematically, horizontally, and vertically.

Results: Of the seven facilities included, six performed MDR. The MDR cycle was incomplete in five facilities because the implementation of recommendations had not been assessed. All cases of maternal death lacked vital information. Case analysis was not conducted in accordance with the national standards in most of the facilities. The action plans for implementing recommendations were not commonly used.

Conclusion: The MDR process and its various stages did not meet quality standards. Identifying the determinants leading to lack of adherence to MDR standards will contribute to optimal choice of interventions and improving good practices in health facilities.