Project Title: Preliminary Observational Study of Delivery Statistics and Midwifery Practices in Remote Communities Along the Lower Napo River in the Peruvian Amazon
Authors: Kelly Baxter, MD; Kelsey Sherman, MD
Program: St. Anthony North Family Medicine Residency
Description: Investigation of midwifery practices, outcomes, and training in a remote area of the Peruvian Amazon. This study will be used to guide future targeted and desired education for midwives of this region.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Lower Napo River is a remote region along the Peruvian Amazon River. Access to medical care and formal medical training is extremely limited. OBJECTIVE: To collect data on delivery statistics and midwifery practices in this region, which will be used to provide targeted future education based on need and interest. STUDY DESIGN: Researchers traveled to 8 villages and interviewed 13 midwives. Data was collected regarding: years of experience in midwifery, training, number of deliveries, number of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, and interest in receiving formal training in the future. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: Pooled data revealed a broad range of experience (2-40 years) and deliveries (0-40 per midwife). 8 of 13 endorsed having at least one experience with formal training. This group also endorsed interest in future training. Although complications were reportedly rare, the primary issue and area of interest was postpartum hemorrhage.
Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to… • Identify limitations and complexities to medical care in the remote region of the Lower Napo River. • Identify available maternal and neonatal healthcare as well as outcomes, as reported by midwives, in this region. • Identify level of training and interest in training of midwives on the Lower Napo River.
Category: Maternal and child health