Purpose for the program: The purpose of this poster is to describe how to implement a collaborative conference to enhance patient safety.  Recently, a number of publications have touted the benefits of 'team training' to improve obstetrical outcomes during emergent situations.  However, very little has been published regarding multidisciplinary education and improved patient safety in other venues.  In 2010, AWHONN Ohio Section and ACOG Ohio planned a joint venture conference to be held in August, 2011 with a focus on collaborative education to promote patient safety.   

Proposed change: Collaboration and a common purpose can drive change.  Multidisciplinary topics were offered to a joint audidence at the AWHONN/ACOG Conference.  Such topics included oxytocin administration, outpatient quality, near-term deliveries, safety culture and obstetric simulations.  These topics were chose as they are applicable to physicians, advance practice nurses and nursing staff.    The presenters were nursing professionals as well as physicians, which enhanced the atmosphere of collegiality. 

Implementation, outcomes and evaluation: The conference planning was approved by the leadership of both organizations.  A preliminary budget was developed and agreed upon by both parties.  The agenda and flyer was developed and distributed across the state and to neighboring states.  Additionally, a callout for poster abstracts was done and leaders from both AWHONN and ACOG sought out exhibitor support.  On Saturday, August 20,2012 the conference was held in central Ohio.  This joint venture drew over 120 attendees, 12 exhibitors and 17 poster displays.  Evaluations were positive and attendees cited planned practice changes for themselves as individuals as well as for their respective institutions.

Implications for nursing practice: The implications for nursing practice are clear.  Nurses need to collaborate with our physician colleagues to improve patient safety.  Likewise, physicians need to collaborate with nurses to improve patient safety.  By offering a collaborative conference, enhanced awareness of the roles of others can occur and 'best practices' shared with all involved in patient care to improve safety and outcomes. 

Keywords: Collaboration, Multidisciplinary education, team training, patient safety