Ask ECRI: Low Volume Obstetric Practice Risks

​​A member recently asked for resources and information that offer best practice recommendations and guidance for low volume obstetric (OB) practices. In our response we address the associate risks of delivery volume extremes (both high and low) and other factors that may be equally or more important for patient safety.

Low volume of deliveries and less experience with specific emergency situations makes drills and skills maintenance even more important (see Obstetric Emergency Drills Training Kit). Often, perinatal safety measures tend to focus on labor and delivery clinical staff, but many more individuals play a role. ECRI recommends a focus on interdisciplinary, team-based, cross-departmental drills; include relevant staff from anesthesia,...