Maternal harm is a sentinel event and improving maternal safety is receiving increased attention in both policy and clinical settings. The researchers used qualitative methods to generate a new plain language framework identifying safe behaviors and practices in inpatient maternity units. Several synergistic features were identified including a commitment to safety culture; technical competence; teamwork, cooperation, and positive working relationships.  

… organizational learning initiative. … Macrae C, Draycott T. Safety Sci. 2019;117:490-500. …

Maternal harm is a sentinel event that has garnered increased attention in both policy and clinical environments. This qualitative study combined direct observation and interviews to understand the characteristics that enabled a high-performing maternity ward to achieve their excellent safety outcomes. Investigators identified a set of specific, evidence-based safety practices including standardization, monitoring, and emphasis on technical skill. They also identified a strong and consistent safety culture and noted that structural conditions, such as staffing levels and the physical environment, supported safe outcomes. The authors conclude that all of these factors influence each other and jointly produce safety. A recent Annual Perspective summarized national initiatives to improve safety in maternity care.

Obstetric care is considered a high-risk environment. Highlighting the importance of coordinated teamwork during obstetric emergencies, this review discusses strategies to augment clinical outcomes in this setting, including team training, communication improvement, and situational awareness.

A teamwork training simulation program that previously improved directed communication in obstetrics was adapted for three surgical wards at a teaching hospital. This educational intervention was associated with significantly enhanced safety culture.

This commentary examines lessons from several regional studies and describes how teamwork training and leadership contribute to safety in obstetric care.

This review reveals how teamwork and leadership behaviors can affect safety in maternity care and includes examples of successful training programs to help improve outcomes in this setting.

Nurses on an obstetrics unit with a longstanding teamwork training program reported a generally positive perception of safety culture, but expressed a desire for greater management support of safety efforts.