A review of our process was conducted and resulted in the need to design an Incoming Obstetric Patient Report to be utilized between Labor and Delivery and EMS.  It is imperative that a collaborative relationship be established in the community between the departments due to the increasing acuity of maternal patients.  There is a direct link in poor maternal and fetal outcomes as a result in delay of care due to inadequate preparation of incoming obstetric patients received from EMS. 

Proposed change:

The Incoming Obstetric Patient Report was implemented to improve patient safety and maternal/neonatal outcomes.  The EMS Quick Tips for Obstetric Patients was also developed to be utilized as a reference when caring for obstetric patients.  The implementation of these two processes addresses the JC Sentinel Event Alert #44 to decrease maternal morbidity and mortality. 

Implementation, outcomes and evaluation:

The development and implementation of Incoming Obstetric Patient Report and the EMS Quick Tips for Obstetric Patients were achieved by visiting local EMS departments to provide consistent education.  The emergency department was also provided with the same education to ensure that all three departments had a common understanding and appreciation for obstetric patients. By establishing an interdisciplinary approach between the departments patient outcomes have improved.  The EMS response units have found these tools helpful by being able to perform a quick assessment of obstetric patients and relaying the appropriate information to the dispatcher.   With the use of both of these tools patients have been successful transferred to the appropriate department and optimal patient outcomes have been achieved.  Using a survey to evaluate the effectiveness before and after the education shows a vast increase in the level of comfort when caring for obstetric patients.

Implications for nursing practice:

Implementation of the Incoming Obstetric Patient Report and EMS Quick Tips for Obstetric Patients provides a consistent process for communication and assessing obstetric patients outside a hospital setting.  It has been noted that through evidence-based practice that up 80 % of adverse patient outcomes are related to poor communication. By providing education and communication tools, maternal and neonatal outcomes have improved. 

Keywords: Communication, Education, Obstetric Patient, Quick Tips, Labor and Delivery, EMS