ACOG Committee Opinion Discusses Standardization of Practices

Consistent use of standardized protocols and checklists has been shown to improve clinical outcomes and quality of care, decrease variation, and often reduce healthcare costs, states a May 2012 committee opinion from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). The opinion observes that there is significant variation in many areas of practice within obstetrics and gynecology nationwide. Standardization is an important tool for reducing variations in care that can lead to errors.