Barriers to the implementation of quality maternal death reviews in health districts in Burkina Faso.

Objective: To identify barriers to the implementation of maternal death reviews in health districts in Burkina Faso.

Methods: We conducted a multiple case study in seven health facilities chosen by contrasted purposive sampling. Sampling criteria were based on intrahospital maternal mortality rates and the location of the health facility. Data collection was conducted from April 27 to May 30, 2015, using structured and semistructured interviews and data extraction from source documents. Data were analyzed using a thematic approach.

Results: Barriers to quality maternal death reviews identified were primarily implementation conditions, including poor skills and motivation of healthcare personnel, low interest in quality of care, lack of suitable equipment, insufficient coordination and collaboration between health services, insufficient monitoring, and weakness in programming and conducting the reviews.

Conclusion: Barriers to achieving quality maternal death reviews remain numerous at the operational level of the health system. Taking steps to remove these barriers is key to improving the quality of maternal death reviews and childbirth outcomes in Burkina Faso.