Strengthening Communication During the Birthing Process

To address the MPL challenges associated with inadequate patient to provider communication, we explored TeamBirth. Designed by Ariadne Labs, TeamBirth is an industry best practice to improve communication, teamwork, and shared decision-making throughout the birthing process, giving every person an opportunity to have a safe, dignified childbirth experience.

Model and Structure 

The program model targets communication between the care team members and the patient/family to foster shared decision-making and active involvement in the birth process. According to TeamBirth data, 96 percent of patients at participating pilot trial hospitals felt that their preferences made a difference in their care. 

The program components consist of structured huddles and a shared planning tool, which involve open, documented conversations between the birthing person and their care takers. 

Implementation 

The TeamBirth model is also adaptable to any health care setting. Ann Donahue, BSN, RN, Candello Patient Safety & Risk Consultant, commented, “there is a lot of flexibility regarding how TeamBirth can be implemented to meet the needs of the organization.” Moreover, the organization can receive assistance from the TeamBirth team and has access to online resources.

Outcomes

The TeamBirth approach contributes to better obstetrical outcomes, such as a decrease in Nulliparous, Term, Singleton, Vertex (NTSV) Cesarean sections, especially amongst Black/African American patients.  

For example, TeamBirth was implemented in October 2022 at Cleveland Clinic Akron General. TeamBirth data indicated a six percent decrease in the rate of NTSV cesarean sections for all patients from 2022–2024. 

Specifically, the rate among Black and African-American patients decreased from 41 percent to 22 percent during that timeframe. For white patients, the rate dropped from 27 percent to 23 percent. As a result, the rate among Black patients is now nearly the same as that of white patients, reflecting a significant reduction in the disparity.

The initiative is now working to expand tools into prenatal and NICU care. Continuing to implement collaborative communication strategies for every step of a patient’s care journey potentially can reduce errors and improve the patient experience and health outcomes.