The objective of this project was to reduce the C-Section Core Measure PC-02 from 24.8% in the Safety Priority Index (SPI) year 2023 to 23.9% by the end of the 2024 SPI year. This goal was successfully met with a final Core Measure PC-02 rate of 22.3%. A root cause analysis identified several factors contributing to the high C-Section rate, including inconsistent adherence to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guidelines, variations in Fetal Heart Rate interpretation, and insufficient dissemination of committee updates and supportive labor techniques among staff.
To address these issues, the Family Birth Center implemented several changes. These included intermittent auscultation, outpatient dual ripening, and the creation of a Safe Birth Checklist. Additionally, a monthly Interdisciplinary Fetal Strip review was initiated to standardize strip interpretation. The Supporting Vaginal Birth Committee developed “Position of the Month” posters and hosted Spinning Babies workshops to educate staff and providers. A Birth Circuit was also introduced to encourage movement during labor, improving fetal lie and descent.
These interventions collectively contributed to the successful reduction of the C-Section rate, demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted strategies in improving maternal and fetal outcomes.