Improving Obstetrical Care Through Organizational Collaboration

Infants born to mothers electively at a gestational age of 37-39 weeks are more likely to develop respiratory distress requiring mechanical ventilation. These children are more likely to have lifelong problems with asthma and other respiratory ailments. In central Illinois, there has been an increase in neonates requiring ventilator support as a result of elective deliveries.

A regional collaborative was created to improve the process and outcomes of obstetrical care. Using a systems approach, the rate of non-medically indicated inductions and C-sections decreased from 18 percent to 3.8 percent. The rate of infants requiring respiratory support did not change and the number of stillbirths did not increase despite a longer gestational age.

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This case study is part of the Illinois Hospital Association's annual quality awards. Each year, IHA recognizes and celebrates the achievements of Illinois hospitals in continually improving and transforming health care in the state. These hospitals are improving health by striving to achieve the Triple Aim--improving the patient experience of care (including quality and satisfaction); improving the health of populations; and reducing the per capita cost of health care.

Award recipients achieve measurable and meaningful progress in providing care that is:

• Safe
• Timely
• Effective
• Efficient
• Equitable
• Patient-centered

(The Institute of Medicine's six aims for improvement.)