Implementing Best Practice Safety Initiatives to Diminish Patient Harm in a Hospital-based Family Birth Center

After a risk assessment of its obstetrics unit, the Family Birthing Center at Mercy Hospital Anderson, Cincinnati, Ohio, a level II, 24-bed labor, delivery, recovery, postpartum unit, began serious work toward improving patient safety through interdisciplinary team work, through more effective communication, and by implementing evidence-based strategies to reduce harm to mothers and babies. With the support of administration at both the corporate and facility levels, strong medical staff and nursing leadership, and engaged and committed team members, the unit has moved positive safety culture scores from 74% to 91%, increased staff morale, and elevated the levels of professionalism and interdisciplinary collaboration observed within the department.