@article{8949,
  author = {Steven L. Clark and Michael A. Belfort and Spencer L. Byrum and Janet A. Meyers and Jonathan B. Perlin},
  title = {Improved outcomes, fewer cesarean deliveries, and reduced litigation: results of a new paradigm in patient safety.},
  abstract = {<p>In a health care delivery system with an annual delivery rate of approximately 220,000, a comprehensive redesign of patient safety process was undertaken based on the following principles: (1) uniform processes and procedure result in an improved quality; (2) every member of the obstetric team should be required to halt any process that is deemed to be dangerous; (3) cesarean delivery is best viewed as a process alternative, not an outcome or quality endpoint; (4) malpractice loss is best avoided by reduction in adverse outcomes and the development of unambiguous practice guidelines; and (5) effective peer review is essential to quality medical practice yet may be impossible to achieve at a local level in some departments. Since the inception of this program, we have seen improvements in patient outcomes, a dramatic decline in litigation claims, and a reduction in the primary cesarean delivery rate.</p>},
  year = {2008},
  journal = {Am J Obstet Gynecol},
  volume = {199},
  pages = {105.e1-7},
  month = {08/2008},
  issn = {1097-6868},
  doi = {10.1016/j.ajog.2008.02.031},
  language = {eng},
}