Journal of midwifery & women's health
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J Midwifery Womens Health · Jul 2015
National Partnership for Maternal Safety Consensus Bundle on Obstetric Hemorrhage.
Hemorrhage is the most frequent cause of severe maternal morbidity and preventable maternal mortality and therefore is an ideal topic for the initial national maternity patient safety bundle. These safety bundles outline critical clinical practices that should be implemented in every maternity unit. ⋯ Although the bundle components may be adapted to meet the resources available in individual facilities, standardization within an institution is strongly encouraged. References contain sample resources and "Potential Best Practices" to assist with implementation.
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J Midwifery Womens Health · Jul 2015
Screening and Brief Interventions for Alcohol and Other Drug Use Among Pregnant Women Attending Midwife Obstetric Units in Cape Town, South Africa: A Qualitative Study of the Views of Health Care Professionals.
Despite the negative consequences of alcohol and other drug use during pregnancy, few interventions for pregnant women are implemented, and little is known about their feasibility and acceptability in primary health care settings in South Africa. As part of the formative phase of screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment for substance use among women presenting for antenatal care, the present study explored health care workers' attitudes and perceptions about screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment among this population. ⋯ The utility of screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment for addressing substance use among pregnant women in public health midwife obstetric units was supported, but consideration will need to be given to addressing a variety of barriers that have been identified.
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J Midwifery Womens Health · Jul 2015
Closed Claims Analysis of Medical Malpractice Lawsuits Involving Midwives: Lessons Learned Regarding Safe Practices and the Avoidance of Litigation.
The risk of litigation remains of concern to midwives, their practice partners, employers, and malpractice insurance providers. Closed claims analysis is a method of examining risk patterns and behaviors in lawsuits, including those involving health care practices. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate claims brought against midwives, with the intent of developing strategies to decrease the incidence of litigation. ⋯ Recommendations for improving clinical practice and avoiding litigation based on findings from the closed claims analysis include, but are not limited to, the need for thorough and accurate documentation in practice, appropriate and timely consultation and collaboration, and the presence of practitioners whose clinical skills match the level of care assessed to be necessary for each woman for whom care is offered.