Prevention and Reduction of Maternal & Neonatal Morbidity & Mortality

Course overview

The Obstetrics department of a hospital provides a wide spectrum of care to pregnant and postpartum women. This course, along with Risks & Liabilities in Labor: Obstetric Management Essentials, highlights the aspects of maternity care that carry high stakes for patient care outcomes from both a quality and safety viewpoint and for risk of medical liability claims. In this activity, we describe steps to take to reduce maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality in Labor & Delivery by implementing evidenced-based recommendations from The Council on Patient Safety in Women's Health Care and California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative. The recommendations include steps organizations and providers can take to reduce primary cesarean sections by implementing evidence-based practices for operative delivery, inductions, management of fetal malpresentation. A system of care utilizing these best practice recommendations can reduce or mitigate harm to both pregnant patient and fetus. Additionally, the HHS 5-year national target goals for reduction of maternal morbidity and mortality will be identified. After completing this activity, practitioners should be able to: recognize leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality; identify steps to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality; implement strategies to improve maternal and newborn outcomes postdelivery; and list the 5-year HHS national targets designed to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.