The Birth of a High Reliability Perinatal Unit

Obstetrical care and patient management is an inherently high-risk clinical service line for medical malpractice.  Our team offers high-risk pregnancy management and labor and delivery service as well as Level III neonatal intensive care unit. From 2000-2004, 23% of the malpractice claims were OB related, but made up greater than 62% of the dollars incurred. A task force of individuals from many disciplines was formed with the goal of improving patient safety and lowering medical malpractice claims. There were many initiatives implemented with great success. By April of 2005, the number of malpractice claims was reduced by 50% and no new obstetrical claims were opened. In 2006 and 2007, the cost per newborn discharge continued to decrease by over $100/newborn. Patient satisfaction results demonstrated top decile performance. Employee engagement scores reached top quartile in every area with top decile performance in four areas. We continue to be passionate about care provision.