Obstetrics and gynecology
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Obstetrics and gynecology · Mar 2014
Practice GuidelineCommittee opinion no. 590: preparing for clinical emergencies in obstetrics and gynecology.
Patient care emergencies may occur at any time in any setting, particularly the inpatient setting. It is important that obstetrician-gynecologists prepare themselves by assessing potential emergencies, establishing early warning systems, designating specialized first responders, conducting emergency drills, and debriefing staff after actual events to identify strengths and opportunities for improvement. Having such systems in place may reduce or prevent the severity of medical emergencies.
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Obstetrics and gynecology · Mar 2014
Practice GuidelineCommittee opinion no. 591: challenges for overweight and obese women.
Overweight and obesity are epidemic in the United States. Obesity is a risk factor for numerous conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, stroke, heart disease, certain types of cancer, and arthritis. ⋯ Many women, irrespective of demographic characteristics or income, are vulnerable to becoming overweight or obese because of limited resources for physical activity and healthy food choices, work commitments, and family demands. Clinicians and public health officials should address not only individual behavior but also the built environment in their efforts to reduce overweight and obesity in their patient populations.
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Obstetrics and gynecology · Mar 2014
Delivering the truth: challenges and opportunities for error disclosure in obstetrics.
Disclosing harmful medical errors to patients is a prominent component of the patient safety movement. Patients expect it and safety agencies and experts advocate its implementation. ⋯ Despite these challenges, transparent communication with parents about unexpected adverse birth outcomes remains critical. We call on clinicians and professional societies to pursue a deeper understanding of the unique challenges of disclosure in obstetrics and prepare themselves to conduct these difficult conversations well.
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Obstetrics and gynecology · Mar 2014
Risk factors, management, and outcomes of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets syndrome and elevated liver enzymes, low platelets syndrome.
To describe the risk factors, management and outcomes of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) and elevated liver enzymes, low platelets (ELLP) syndrome in the United Kingdom. ⋯ A short delay in the delivery of women diagnosed antenatally with HELLP or ELLP syndrome may be considered. However, the rarity of the condition limits study power.