The PRECISE (PREgnancy Care Integrating translational Science, Everywhere) database : open-access data collection in maternal and newborn health

Abstract

In less-resourced settings, adverse pregnancy outcome rates are unacceptably high. To effect improvement, weneed accurate epidemiological data about rates of death and morbidity, as well as social determinants of healthand processes of care, and from each country (or region) to contextualise strategies. The PRECISE database is aunique core infrastructure of a generic, unified data collection platform. It is built on previous work in dataharmonisation, outcome and data field standardisation, open-access software (District Health Information System 2and the Baobab Laboratory Information Management System), and clinical research networks. The databasecontains globally-recommended indicators included in Health Management Information System recording andreporting forms. It comprises key outcomes (maternal and perinatal death), life-saving interventions (HumanImmunodeficiency Virus testing, blood pressure measurement, iron therapy, uterotonic use after delivery,postpartum maternal assessment within 48 h of birth, and newborn resuscitation, immediate skin-to-skin contact,and immediate drying), and an additional 17 core administrative variables for the mother and babies. In addition,the database has a suite of additional modules for‘deep phenotyping’based on established tools. These includesocial determinants of health (including socioeconomic status, nutrition and the environment), maternal co-morbidities, mental health, violence against women and health systems. The database has the potential to enablefuture high-quality epidemiological research integrated with clinical care and discovery bioscience.