| Reminder: All-Team Webinar July 26 7:30-9:00am |
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 In addition to an update of data trends we reviewed at the June learning session, there will be a discussion of how to engage physicians and patients in efforts to reduce the c-section rate in the NTSV population. Please make sure your team members have this date on their calendars. It will be especially helpful to have physicians participate to discuss strategies to engage their colleagues.
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Upcoming study addresses drivers of increasing c-section rates
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 A paper to be published in the July 2011 Green Journal (Obstetrics & Gynecology) examines factors contributing to increasing c-section rates. The study finds that while low rates of VBAC contribute to the c-section rate, primary c-sections are behind 50% of the increase in c-section rates in the past decade. Consistent with other studies, this paper finds that elective c-section for maternal request is only a minor factor in the c-section rate, but was the most rapidly increasing category. While rates of pre-eclampsia and multiple gestation did not increase over the study period, c-sections for these indications (and others) did. Key drivers of the increase in the primary c-section rate were nonreassuring fetal heart tracing and arrest of dilation. The study authors suggest that objective guidelines for these conditions, as well as increased provider accountability for performing c-sections at the practice, department, hospital, and state level, may help reduce the rate of c-section for these indications. In short, this study suggests many of our teams are on the right track!
Click here for a copy of this paper.
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| Helping patients navigate the maternity care system |
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 Childbirth Connection has created a webpage with many resources to guide patients on how to obtain high-quality maternity care. Links include descriptions of the physiology of normal childbirth and the role of medical interventions, as well as information about evidence-based care, informed decision-making, and the importance of quality of care in the maternity setting.
These resources may be helpful for hospital teams looking for language to use in patient education materials or developing strategies to communicate with patients about decision-making related to c-sections. Use this link to go to Childbirth Connection's "Understanding & Navigating the Maternity Care System"
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Contact Kate
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Kate Berrien, RN, BSN, MS
UNC Center for Maternal & Infant Health
CB# 7181
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
kberrien@unch.unc.edu
Phone: 919-843-9336 Fax: 919-843-7866 |
