Background: In April 2016, MOEWS chart was first introduced to all the obstetric wards in UMMC. Prior to this, all the obstetric wards in UMMC used the same monitoring chart as the other wards in the hospital. However, it does not have the scoring system to alert health personnel, nor does it have additional obstetric parameters such as proteinuria, amniotic fluid and lochia. This is not only useful for triage purposes, especially in a busy setting, but it has the potential to change a ‘passive’ work culture into a ‘pro-active’ work culture.

Aim: To conduct an audit to assess the compliance and performance of MOEWS chart among the nurses and doctors and to identify weaknesses in the system that could be improved in order to achieve full compliance.

Standard: We set 100% target for usage of MOEWS chart and also charting the four main vital signs, which were temperature, blood pressure, respiratory rate and heart rate at least every 12 hourly. To evaluate the performance of the chart, we looked into the response of any triggers and the appropriateness of the level of the responders which were set at 100% target.

Setting: A debriefing was done in all the obstetric wards in UMMC included antenatal ward, postnatal ward, pregnancy assessment care ward, and labour room.

Methodology: We conducted a full cycle audit in the obstetric wards, namely the antenatal ward, postnatal ward, pregnancy assessment care unit, labour ward and high dependency unit in UMMC for 6 months from May 2016 until end of October 2016.

Results: At the end of audit cycle, we achieved 100% in all the criteria except charting the four main vital (respiratory rate, blood pressure, heart rate and temperature) signs at least 12 hourly which reached 91.5% from 73.3%. 

Conclusion: The audit has shown acceptance and acknowledgement from health staffs to utilize the MOEWS chart. Continuous training and audit for all health personnel need to be carried out regularly to ensure the MOEWS chart can be used to its fullest potential in reducing maternal morbidity and mortality.