FAST-M trial

Evaluation of the FAST-M maternal sepsis bundle, a feasibility study         

FAST-M logo

Type of study: A multi-centre controlled study, with a before and after design.

Aim: This study aims to determine whether it is feasible to introduce a complex intervention (including a bundled approach) to maternal sepsis care in resource-poor settings such as Malawi, to optimise an appropriate care bundle and to identify and carefully describe the facilitators and barriers to its implementation.

We have developed a treatment bundle entitled “FAST-M”. The ‘FAST-M’ acronym stands for consideration of the following treatment components:

  • Fluids
  • Antibiotics
  • Source Control
  • Transport
  • Monitoring (of mother and newborn)

Objectives:

1)      Optimise the content and delivery of the FAST-M decision and treatment tools and the on-site training programme.

2)      Assess whether the use of the FAST-M bundle is feasible in the Malawian healthcare system and improves sepsis care.

3)      Prepare the FAST-M intervention for a large-scale intervention trial.

Data analysis: A mixed method analysis using both quantitative and qualitative data will be undertaken to assess whether this complex intervention to improve maternal sepsis care can be feasibly introduced into resource-poor settings. Quantitative analysis will examine how closely elements of the intervention were followed by healthcare practitioners and the corresponding patient outcomes. A thematic analysis will be conducted to identify the barriers and enablers to the intervention.

Study sites: 15 sites across Malawi (12 health centres, 2 community hospitals and one district hospital).

Setting: Antenatal and gynaecology departments, both inpatient wards and outpatient clinics.

Duration of study: It is anticipated the feasibility study will last for one year.

Sponsor Ref: RG_16-150

Sponsor: University of Birmingham

Chief Investigator: Dr David Lissauer

Coordinating Centre: Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research

Funders: University of Birmingham, MSD for Mothers, Ammalife

Collaborators: World Health Organisation, Jhpiego