Enhancing Patient Safety in Obstetrical Care

The Obstetrical Units at MAHC’s hospital sites have joined the MORE^OB program as part of our ongoing commitment to deliver safe, high-quality care. From left are Dr. Sandi Adamson; Lori Steele, Midwife; Dr. Tina Kappos; Shelly McMurray, RN; Dr. Bill Hemens and Mary Boyer, Manager of Inpatient Services. Missing from photo is Anne Handley, RN.

I am excited to announce that Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare is now part of the MOREOB program. As part of our ongoing commitment to delivering safe, high-quality care, the Obstetrical Units at our two hospital sites have launched a three-year professional development program to enhance their obstetrical practice.
 
Managing Obstetrical Risk Efficiently, also known as the MOREOB program, is designed to create a culture of improved patient care within the obstetrical unit through emphasis on patient safety, quality improvement and professional development. MOREOB integrates evidence-based practice standards and guidelines in developing effective teamwork and communication amongst all obstetrical care providers. Many of the focuses of the MOREOB program are in perfect alignment with MAHC’s organizational values and strategic areas.

I am especially proud of the dedication and commitment already shown by our core teams, which include family physicians and midwives who care for obstetrical patients, nurses who work in the unit and administrators. They are all participating in this program that has been designed to improve clinical outcomes, decrease the risk of adverse events and to improve the quality of work life. They will be able to share knowledge and promote collaboration with trust and respect.


The Obstetrical Units at MAHC’s hospital sites have joined the MORE^OB program as part of our ongoing commitment to deliver safe, high-quality care. From left are Malcolm Eade from MORE^OB; Dr. Sheena Branigan; Katie Zammit, RN; Alicia Taylor, RN; Dianne Smith, Midwife; Kristen Bell, RN; Robert Alldred-Hughes, Chief Executive Human Resources & Support Services.

The program aims to improve patient safety and developing a team with shared knowledge that promotes a consistent level of care among all providers. It’s a way of making sure that everybody has the same degree of basic knowledge, so during deliveries or when looking after moms-to-be, the doctors and nurses and anybody else helping has the same understanding as to what’s going on, what to expect and how to expect and avoid complications.

So how do they accomplish these skills?

The program consists of three modules, with each module including theory chapters, skills drills for rehearsing scenarios and practicing the physical handling of different equipment, workshops, personal learning projects, and so on.

I am very excited to be joining the hundreds of hospitals that are part of the MOREOB program. With this initiative, we will continue to build a culture that puts patient safety at the forefront, ensures evidence-based practices are utilized at the bedside, and enhances the patient experience to be the best it can be.