Implementation of an Oxytocin Checklist to Improve Clinical Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Oxytocin is one of the most common drugs administered in obstetrics. Since its designation as a high-alert medication by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices in 2007, there has been much attention to oxytocin administration during labor. Oxytocin is generally safe when administered correctly, but adverse perinatal outcomes can occur during uterine tachysystole. PURPOSE: The purpose of this project was to evaluate and compare results of maternal and fetal outcomes of induction of labor for women at term prior to and after implementation of a newly developed oxytocin checklist. PROJECT DESIGN AND METHODS: To evaluate the practice change associated with the implementation of the new oxytocin checklist, 200 cases based on retrospective medical record reviews were compared with 200 cases after implementation. RESULTS: Use of the checklist was associated with several significant clinical outcomes, including decreases in tachysystole, decreases in cesarean births for concern about fetal status based on electronic fetal monitoring data, decreases in length of first stage labor, and decreases in maximum dose of oxytocin. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Results are similar to previous research. Early physician buy-in, clinical team education, and ongoing evaluation enhanced facilitation of the oxytocin checklist. Clinical outcomes were favorable.

Amniotic Fluid Embolism.

Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare but serious and potentially deadly complication of pregnancy that is unpreventable and unpredictable. Most AFE events occur during labor; however, approximately one third happen during the immediate postpartum period. Presentation is abrupt and thought to be an abnormal response to fetal materials entering maternal circulation through the placental insertion site. Care providers must recognize the signs and symptoms of AFE and react quickly to treat potential complications. This can be challenging as there are no set diagnostic criteria or specific laboratory tests. Generally, the diagnosis is based on clinical status when the classic triad of hypoxia, hypotension, and subsequent coagulopathy are noted in a laboring woman or woman who just gave birth, and no other plausible explanation can be determined. Proper treatment of AFE requires a multidisciplinary approach to decrease maternal morbidity and mortality. Knowledge, simulation, and familiarization of a Massive Obstetric Transfusion protocol can help all members of the perinatal team recognize and respond to women with AFE in a timely and effective manner. A case study is presented of a woman with a seemingly normal obstetric course that became complicated rapidly following development of an AFE.

Implementing Skin-to-Skin Care in the Operating Room After Cesarean Birth.

BACKGROUND: After vaginal birth, newborns who have been skin-to-skin (STS) with their mother have greater temperature and glucose stability and higher exclusive breastfeeding rates at discharge. There are minimal data about STS in the operating room (OR) after cesarean birth. Although implementing STS in the OR can be challenging, it may promote positive maternal and infant outcomes. PURPOSE: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to evaluate maternal satisfaction and maternal perception of pain when babies were placed STS immediately after cesarean birth in the OR. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This quality improvement project was conducted at Baylor All Saints Medical Center-Andrews Women's Hospital, an urban, nonprofit, private hospital with an average of 5,000 births per year. Over a 90-day period, all women having cesarean birth were evaluated for two outcomes, maternal birth experience and pain perception during surgery. Following scheduled repeat cesarean, satisfaction of the birth experience was compared to the previous birth experience. Pain control during surgery of women having cesarean birth with and without STS was evaluated. Postpartum interviews with the new mothers and review of their anesthesia records were used to determine project findings. RESULTS: Maternal satisfaction was higher and maternal perception of pain was lower for women who experienced STS in the OR when compared to women where STS was not performed. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Babies can be placed STS in the OR with positive implications for mothers' satisfaction with the birth experience and their perception of pain during the surgical procedure. Infant safety should be supported by a nurse with the mother and baby during the STS process.