A Clinical Evaluation of Evidence‐Based Maternity Care Using the Optimality Index

The Optimality Index‐US (OI‐US) reflects the use of evidence‐based practices in obstetrics. This paper's objective is to apply the OI‐USto a “typical“ nurse‐midwifery service data set to demonstrate its use outside of a research context. The OI‐USscore for the sample practice was 80%. The OI‐UScan be used by obstetric and gynecologic nurse clinicians to demonstrate the relationship of various care practices to optimal outcomes. JOGNN, 35,786‐793; 2006. DOI: 10.1111/J.1552‐6909.2006.00107.x