Referral patterns through the lens of health facility readiness to manage obstetric complications: National facility-based results from Ghana

Emergency referral for major obstetric complications is a strategy to improve timely access to lifesaving services. The authors analyzed national health facility data in Ghana and found that district hospitals play a prominent role treating obstetric emergencies despite many not meeting national criteria for readiness. The authors state that understanding patterns to treat and refer complications aids decision-makers in remedying system gaps, thus preventing maternal and newborn deaths.