Achieving a safety culture in obstetrics.
Preventable maternal and neonatal mortalities still occur, despite the wonders of today's technologically advanced healthcare system. Delivering high-quality, consistent care is the goal of every provider. Yet, obstetrical practice, in which unpredictable events and high-risk situations are the norm, is particularly vulnerable to medical errors. Obstetrics departments should be striving for a climate of patient safety, one that includes a just, reporting, and learning culture. This article discusses the various components of a safety culture as well as some of the advances that are being made in the field to improve the quality of care in obstetrics.
DuPree
Erin
E
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY, USA. erin.dupree@mssm.org
O'Neill
Loraine
L
Anderson
Rebecca M
RM
D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019300:Medical Errors / Q000517:prevention & control; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000592:standards*; D015279:Organizational Culture; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D012308:Risk Management / Q000458:organization & administration; D017751:Safety Management / Q000458:organization & administration*