Maternal Mortality: Development of an Obstetric Rapid Response Team
Presentation
Overview
Overview
Description
The purpose of this quality improvement project is to implement a best practice obstetric rapid response team (OB-RRT) and conduct in situ drills of this team with the goal of improving response times, improving self-confidence of OB-RRT team members, and improving outcomes for obstetrical emergencies. Up to 50% of reported maternal deaths could be prevented (Green, Rider, Ratcliff, & Woodring, 2015; Kilpatrick & Berg, 2016). Innovation of obstetric rapid response teams (OB-RRT) improves performance of staff and improves patient outcomes of obstetric emergencies (Spaulding & Ohsfeldt, 2014). Obstetric emergencies include cardiac arrest, postpartum hemorrhage, emergency cesarean sections, uterine rupture, prolapsed umbilical cord, shoulder dystocia, abruptio placenta, operative vaginal delivery, and eclampsia. This project will focus on implementation of an obstetric rapid response team (OB-RRT) on a Labor and Delivery unit. Although recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the facility does not currently have a Code OB-RRT. Literature demonstrates evidence to support RRT in general emergencies. Nursing staff are often the first responders to obstetric emergencies. Therefore, having a Code OB-RRT, preparation, and drills, can help ensure optimal patient outcomes for both mother and baby (Green, Rider, Ratcliff, & Woodring, 2015).
