How accurate are electronic records of postpartum blood loss, and do mistakes matter?

Background Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) rates are a key indicator of maternal health. Massive PPH remains a severe morbidity and cause of maternal death. Rates may be changing with population demography and service provision, and are already established as quality measures of maternity services. Aim To describe current PPH rates in a district general hospital and tertiary referral centre compared to reported levels, as part of the STOP (Surveillance and Treatment of PPH) study. Methods Mixed methodology was used, including a prospective, observational study with weighted sampling representing 10 071 women delivering in two units in 1 year. Notes were reviewed in: all cases of electronic recording of blood loss ≥1000 ml,