The Role of Obstetrics/Gynecology Hospitalists in Reducing Maternal Mortality.
The United States experienced a 6.1% annual increase in the maternal death rate from 2000 to 2013. Maternal deaths from hemorrhage and complications of preeclampsia are significant contributors to the maternal death rate. Many of these deaths are preventable. By virtue of their continuous care of laboring patients, active involvement in hospital safety initiatives, and immediate availability, obstetric hospitalists are uniquely positioned to evaluate patients, initiate care, and coordinate a multidisciplinary effort. In cases of significant maternal hemorrhage, hypertensive crisis, and acute pulmonary edema, the availability of an obstetrics hospitalist may facilitate improved patient safety and fewer maternal deaths.
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, 6651 Main Street, Suite1020, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Electronic address: tasteven@texaschildrens.org.
Tobey A
TA
Stevens
Division of Gynecologic and Obstetric Specialists, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, 6651 Main Street, Suite 1020, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Laurie S
LS
Swaim
Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, 6651 Main Street, Suite 1020, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Steven L
SL
Clark
D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D020445:Hospitalists; D006801:Humans; D046110:Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced / Q000401:mortality* / Q000517:prevention & control; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D008428:Maternal Mortality / Q000639:trends*; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D061214:Patient Safety; D006473:Postpartum Hemorrhage / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000401:mortality* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000401:mortality* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
Hypertensive crisis; Maternal morbidity; Maternal mortality; OB/GYN hospitalist; Postpartum hemorrhage; Pregnancy-associated hypertension; Pulmonary edema