Applying Patient Safety to Reduce Maternal Mortality

Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2019 Jun;46(2):353-365. doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2019.01.016.

Abstract

Maternal morbidity and mortality is on the rise in the United States. Several local, state, and nationwide organizations have worked toward reducing maternal mortality by improving patient safety. Early warning systems unique to the obstetric population have been developed to provide early intervention and to prevent patients from decompensating. Patient care bundles, supported by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, as well as The Council on Patient Safety, provide a standardized approach to obstetric care. Monitoring outcomes through root cause analysis is key to improving patient safety and outcomes.

Keywords: Bundles; Early warning systems; Maternal morbidity and mortality; Patient safety tools; Racial disparities.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Early Diagnosis
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Female
  • Gynecology
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced / mortality
  • Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced / prevention & control
  • Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced / therapy
  • Maternal Mortality* / ethnology
  • Obstetrics
  • Patient Safety* / standards
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / mortality*
  • Pregnancy Complications / prevention & control*
  • Pregnancy Complications / therapy
  • Treatment Outcome
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Uterine Hemorrhage / mortality
  • Uterine Hemorrhage / prevention & control
  • Uterine Hemorrhage / therapy