Using a State Birth Registry as a Quality Improvement Tool.
BackgroundBirth registry data are universally collected, generating large administrative datasets. However, these data are typically not used for quality improvement (QI) initiatives in perinatal medicine because the quality and timeliness of the information is uncertain.ObjectiveWe sought to identify and address causes of inaccuracy in recording birth registry information so that birth registry data could support statewide obstetrical quality initiatives in Ohio.Study DesignThe Ohio Perinatal Quality Collaborative and the Ohio Department of Health Vital Statistics used QI techniques in 15 medium-sized maternity hospitals to identify and remove systemic sources of inaccuracy in birth registry data. The primary outcome was the rate of scheduled deliveries without medical indication between 370/7and 386/7weeks at participating hospitals from birth registry data.ResultsInaccurate birth registry data most commonly resulted from limited communication between clinical and medical record staff. The rate of scheduled births between 370/7and 386/7weeks' gestation without a documented medical indication as recorded in the birth registry declined by 35%.ConclusionA QI initiative aimed at increasing the accuracy of birth registry information demonstrated the utility of these data for surveillance of perinatal outcomes and has led to ongoing efforts to support birth registrars in submitting accurate data.
James M. Anderson Center for Health Systems Excellence, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Carole
C
Lannon
James M. Anderson Center for Health Systems Excellence, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Heather C
HC
Kaplan
Ohio Public Health Partnership, Columbus, Ohio.
Kelly
K
Friar
James M. Anderson Center for Health Systems Excellence, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Sandra
S
Fuller
Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio.
Susan
S
Ford
Ohio Perinatal Quality Collaborative, Toledo, Ohio.
Beth
B
White
James M. Anderson Center for Health Systems Excellence, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio.
John
J
Besl
Ohio Department of Health, Center for Vital and Health Statistics, Columbus, Ohio.
John
J
Paulson
Quality and Safety for Women's Services - TriHealth, Good Samaritan Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Michael
M
Marcotte
Aultman Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aultman Hospital, Canton, Ohio.
Michael
M
Krew
Obstetric Lead, Ohio Perinatal Quality Collaborative, Metro Health Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio.
Jennifer
J
Bailit
Ohio Perinatal Quality Collaborative, Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio.
Jay
J
Iams
D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D001719:Birth Certificates; D000068598:Data Accuracy; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005568:Forms and Records Control / Q000592:standards*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D000069342:Medical Overuse / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009820:Ohio; D011247:Pregnancy; D058996:Quality Improvement; D012042:Registries / Q000592:standards*; D047929:Term Birth