Information and Communication Technology Projects: India
Expansion of Oxytocin Use for Postpartum Hemorrhage Prevention (2009-2012)
Client/Agency
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Description
The project, implemented by Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH), aims to create a strong evidence base to support expanded safe use of the drug oxytocin to improve maternal health and survival rates in resource-poor areas in Ghana and India.
The project is conducting a research study and a Landscape Review in Ghana and India.
The research study is designed to test the hypothesis that the administration of oxytocin by a lower level health worker during the third stage of labor at the periphery will reduce the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. It also documents the appropriate and inappropriate use of oxytocin in relation to postpartum hemorrhaging and the adverse outcomes associated with inappropriate use.
The Landscape Review broadly explores how oxytocin to prevent post-partum hemorrhaging is used and distributed in several districts in each country. It documents community and provider knowledge of and attitudes toward use of oxytocin during labor and delivery as well as purchases of oxytocin from various sources to test the chemical potency.
RTI works with the research team, focusing on data management.