Each site will proceed in its own way.
- This is a two-year initiative. Begin today.
- Think in terms of the topic areas below, and coordinate with your existing programs and projects.
- Assign topics to leaders with specific strategies to achieve them.
- Establish a timeline and stick to it.
- Contact us for site visits, advice, and resources.
- The goal after two years is that each site will have its own sustainable obstetrics safety program.
- For each topic area, design projects by answering two questions. These answers will vary from site to site.
- What will have the most impact?
- Do you have the power to make the change?
Topic areas
- Communication to reduce error (SBAR, chain of communication, cesarean section urgency)
- Clinical guidelines in accordance with national and regional standards that comply with regulatory requirements, established by a multi-disciplinary group
- Quality assurance process that closes the loop with staff and informs policy making
- Document templates such as admission labor note, brief intrapartum note, delivery note, shoulder dystocia note, vacuum delivery, forceps delivery, cesarean section note, placenta description in all notes
- Obstetric RN orientation that provides adequate education and training, incorporates patient safety measures and is consistent from site to site
- Drills and Simulations (PPH, shoulder dystocia, maternal seizure, stat cesarean section, unanticipated breech)
- Credentials / Privileges as a patient safety tool
- Terminology consistent across disciplines and departments (NICHD EFM, ACOG Committee Opinion #197, ACOG Practice Bulletin #33)
- Professional associations to reduce isolation and stay current in practice (AWHONN, ACNM, ACOG, AAFP, NNEPQIN, Perinatal Nurse Managers)