Publication: American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology Date: June 2011 Author: Steve K. Hasley, MD Abstract: Decision support (DS) may help to improve patient safety by helping clinicians improve the evaluation, assessment, and treatment of patients. By providing best practice guidelines at critical decision points, errors can be prevented. Location of these decision points varies Continue Reading

Publication: American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing Date: 7/1/2010 Author: Simpson, Kathleen Rice PhD, RNC, FAAN; Newman, Gloria MSN, RNC; Chirino, Octavio R. MD, FACOG, FACS Abstract: Purpose: To reduce elective inductions among nulliparous women in a community hospital by adding standardized education regarding induction risks to prepared childbirth classes. Study Design and Methods: Elective induction rates Continue Reading

Publication: BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Date: 4/20/2010 Author: S Berglund, H Pettersson, S Cnattingius, C Grunewald Abstract: The authors have determined, in this study done in Sweden, that “there was substandard care during labour of two thirds of infants with a low Apgar score.  The main reasons for substandard care were related Continue Reading

Publication: Amnesty International Date: 3/12/2010 Author: Amnesty International Abstract: As put forth by this Amnesty International review, “In 2009, the new US Administration and Congress focused on the need to reform the health care system, in particular on improving access to care and reducing the growth in health care spending. Although the proposals under debate would reduce the number Continue Reading

Publication: Journal of Patient Safety Date: 3/1/2010 Authors: Charles R. Denham, MD Abstract: As opined by the author, “Fairly or unfairly reflecting reality, many in the quality and patient safety leadership positions bemoan that the role of the CFO has been to say ‘No’ to spending on performance improvement. Yet, changes in health care will Continue Reading

Publication: International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics Date: 2/1/2010 Authors: Dickens BM, Cook RJ Abstract: The new American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ (ACOG) monitoring guidelines introduce a new category of interpretation of fetal heart rate tracings between reassuring and nonreassuring, namely intermediate. The purpose is to reduce unnecessary cesarean deliveries. The legal role of medical guidelines is Continue Reading

Publication: The Joint Commission Sentinel Event Alert Date: 1/25/2010 Authors: The Joint Commission Abstract: The goal of all labor and delivery units is a safe birth for both the newborn and mother. As a previous Alert reviewed the causes of death and injury among newborns with normal birth weight and suggested risk reduction strategies, this Alert Continue Reading

Date: 2010 Authors: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Women’s Health Care Physicians Abstract: As stated in the introduction, “Quality and Safety in Women’s Health Care, Second Edition, is intended to serve as a primer for obstetricians and gynecologists starting or managing quality improvement programs within their hospital departments or ambulatory practices by focusing on the Continue Reading

Publication: Journal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing Date: 1/1/2010 Authors: Laura R. Mahlmeister, PhD, RN Abstract: The author claims that, “The failure to keep pace with human factors innovations in the design of high-risk health care operations undoubtedly contributes to significant error and “never events”(serious errors that should never occur) in perinatal care. This article defines Continue Reading

Publication: RAND Institute for Civil Justice Date: 2010 Authors: Michael D. Greenberg, Amelia M. Haviland, J. Scott Ashwood, Regan Main Abstract: Summarizing from the reports introduction, “The purpose of this report is to investigate the relationship between safety outcomes in hospitals and malpractice claiming against providers, using administrative data and measures. The results of our analysis Continue Reading