Quality Improvement in Maternity Care: How Health Tech Can Help
24 May 2024
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Urgent Need for Reform in UK Maternity Care
Maternity care in the UK is in urgent need of reform. The Birth Trauma Inquiry, which collected evidence from 1,300 women, revealed that maternity care of “shockingly poor quality” is all too common, with good services being “the exception rather than the rule.” Stories of neglect, such as women being left in soiled sheets and unanswered calls for help, underline the systemic issues that need addressing. The report also highlighted that hospitals often obscure errors, further frustrating parents seeking answers about their care experiences.
From 2022 to 2023, over a third of the NHS’s £1.1 billion maternity budget was allocated to payments related to clinical negligence. The Birth Trauma Inquiry recommends actions such as recruiting more midwives and providing post-delivery check-ups with a GP. However, to truly elevate the quality of maternity services, health technology must play a pivotal role.
Improving Incident Management in Maternity Services
In the inquiry, many women reported feeling like an inconvenience to hospital staff. Effective incident management is essential for changing this perception and improving maternity quality. Digital tools empower healthcare professionals by allowing them to efficiently document, analyse, and address incidents. This streamlines workflows and frees up time for staff to focus on patient care, ultimately enhancing the patient experience.
Rhian Bulmer, Chief Partnerships Officer at Radar Healthcare, highlights how health tech can help streamline these efforts. She notes that incident management tools not only reduce the burden on healthcare staff but also improve the quality of care by ensuring that incidents are properly documented and analysed. This contributes to a culture of continuous learning and quality improvement in maternity services.
Elevating Maternity Care with Data-Powered Dashboards
One of the significant challenges in healthcare is effectively implementing technology in real-world settings. Our maternity dashboards provide a comprehensive view of quality and safety metrics, enabling healthcare providers to monitor and improve care. These dashboards allow for detailed insights into incidents and audits, offering a granular view that supports informed decision-making.
This innovation promotes transparency and continuous improvement, empowering healthcare teams to swiftly identify areas for enhancement, implement necessary changes, and share successful strategies. This holistic approach is crucial for achieving sustainable quality improvement in maternity care.
The Role of Digital Midwives in Maternity Services
Digitising maternity services, including midwifery, has led to significant improvements in care quality. Digital midwives, who possess both clinical and IT expertise, manage and securely share digital health data. This role supports multidisciplinary teams in making timely and informed decisions, leading to better care outcomes.
Digital records ensure that patient information is up-to-date and accurate, reducing the risk of errors associated with paper records. This not only enhances the quality of care but also makes the healthcare system more efficient and responsive to patient needs. Additionally, digital services improve accessibility, allowing patients to reliably access their health information online.
Ensuring Compliance and Mitigating Risks in Maternity Care
Workplace compliance is crucial for maintaining high standards of care. According to a 2023 survey by Mumsnet, 79% of respondents experienced some form of birth trauma, with 86% agreeing that healthcare providers are desensitised to it. Ensuring that staff are well-trained and compliant with the latest policies is key to improving patient experiences.
Digital tools can help manage compliance by assigning training requirements, conducting skills checks, and ensuring that staff are up-to-date with office policies. This not only supports staff well-being but also protects healthcare providers from potential financial and legal penalties.
Proactive Risk Management in Maternity Services
Effective risk management is essential for preventing harm to both staff and patients. Digital risk management tools allow healthcare providers to create tailored risk registers and action plans, improving safety and service delivery. By focusing on proactive risk management, healthcare organisations can avoid costly consequences such as lawsuits or cyberattacks, allowing more resources to be dedicated to improving patient care.
Conclusion: The Future of Maternity Quality Improvement
The Birth Trauma Inquiry underscores the urgent need for quality improvement in maternity care. By integrating health technology into maternity services, healthcare providers can address existing gaps, improve patient outcomes, and ensure that every mother and baby receives the highest standard of care. Health technology is not just an adjunct; it is an essential component of the future of maternity services.
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