BACKGROUND: While the attempt is to educate the patient (and their family members) and empower them in their medical decision making, integration of birth plans and discussion of such plans is not rou..
BACKGROUND: While the attempt is to educate the patient (and their family members) and empower them in their medical decision making, integration of birth plans and discussion of such plans is not routinely implemented by most obstetrical providers. There is currently no standardized approach to the education and birth plan development/or the obstetrical patients. The goal of this project, therefore, is to develop a standardized approach to discussion of birth plans and, albeit indirectly, allow for an opportunity for education for obstetrical patients. METHODS: On a daily basis, through birth plan discussions with patients during routine obstetrical visits, and via questionnaire implementation during postpartum visits, we will be collecting information. The patients we care for in our GME clinic will be the patient population we will utilize. Documentation on eCW and collection of patient feedback/opinions regarding birth plan discussions through a questionnaire is how we will keep track of the data collected. RESULTS: While the results of this study are still pending and more PDSA cycles will be completed and data collected, we expect nearly full compliance with regards to implementation of this QI project at the GME clinic setting. We anticipate an increase in patient education and patient satisfaction when it comes to the care they receive during their pregnancy at GME clinic at Medical City Arlington. CONCLUSION: Implementation of this project would allow us to improve patient satisfaction, open discussion/dialogue between provider and patient during routine obstetrical visits, and the preparedness of L&D staff when it comes to a laboring patient’s preferences according to their birth plan. Retrospective data from this study will be used to propose a standardized birth plan form to be used at the GME clinic and perhaps to be used/distributed to other facilities for use as well, in hopes of utilizing a standardized approach to discussion of birth plans and allow for an opportunity for education for obstetrical patients.
Health and Medical Administration Maternal and Child Health Medical Specialties Medicine and Health Sciences Obstetrics and Gynecology Public Health Quality Improvement
