A Novel Approach in Advancing Maternal Health: Early Detection of Maternal Deterioration Using The Khoula Saving Mother Score

Background: Maternal morbidity and mortality remain significant global health concerns, often resulting from the late detection of clinical deterioration. Early identification and timely intervention are crucial in preventing adverse maternal outcomes. Currently, there is a lack of monitoring systems identify and detect early maternal warning signs in order to expedite the appropriate escalation of care in DGKH. The aim of this study is to design and implement an evidence-based system and observational chart for the early detection of maternal deterioration and timely intervention. This study examines the implementation of the Khoula-Saving Mother Score (K-SMS) within the Directorate General of Khoula Hospital (DGKH) to enhance the early detection of maternal health deterioration, facilitating timely intervention and reducing adverse maternal outcomes. Methodology: This prospective observational study with a quality improvement approach started from January 2023 to December 2024 and two maternity wards were involved obstetric and gynecological ward. The newly designed system K-SMS, which is as, integrate a structured early warning score chart based on vital signs, clinical symptoms, and risk factors were implemented. Result: In 2023, 900 patients were classified as low risk, 84 as mild risk, and 8 as high risk, compare to 2024, 812 low risk, 73 medium risk and 5 patient as high risk. In term of pregnancy-associated eclampsia, 40 patients were diagnosed with eclampsia, which was more common than systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), with only 8 cases. However, in 2024, eclampsia cases remained stable at 39, but SIRS cases increased significantly to 17. Conclusion: The study anticipates that Khoula Saving Mother Score (K-SMS) and chart enhance early detection of maternal deterioration, leading to timely interventions, improved response times, and better maternal outcomes. The developed standardized early warning system and observational chart for maternal deterioration contribute to timely intervention and has proven the potential improvement in patient safety and reduce preventable maternal complications. This study contributes to evidence-based maternal care and inform future clinical practice guidelines for early recognition and management of maternal health crises.