Setting Body Mass Index Criteria for Obese Obstetric Patients to Reduce Nurse Injury and Improve Patient Safety

The committee continues to monitor the BMI of women who give birth at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital to ensure that the guidelines are being followed. Since 2014, an average of seven women per month are seen prenatally for anesthesia consults to discuss patient safety issues and maternal and neonatal risks. In addition to the reduction in injuries, 10 morbidly obese women were transferred to the tertiary care center from November 18, 2013 to July 23, 2014. This provides safer deliveries and recoveries for these women and helps to prevent possible staff injuries.