Breaking it down
JPS launched the start of the maternity program at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth Jan. 27, making the health care system one of the first in Texas to implement the TeamBirth program, according to the release.
According to the TeamBirth website, the program puts an emphasis on open communication among patients, their support people and clinicians during birth through huddles and a shared planning board.
The goal is for everyone involved in the birthing process to come to decisions together to give “every person a chance at a safe, dignified childbirth experience.”
“Bringing TeamBirth to JPS Health Network reflects our commitment to providing the highest level of patient-centered care,” said Karen Duncan, president and CEO of JPS Health Network. “By giving expectant mothers and their families a greater voice and role in the birthing process, we are enhancing both safety and satisfaction in maternity care.”
According to the release, the United Way of Tarrant County worked with JPS hospital officials to introduce TeamBirth to its systems.
The backstory
TeamBirth was created by Ariadne Labs in conjunction with Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Experts from leading obstetric organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, the American College of Nurse-Midwives and the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetrics and Neonatal Nurses worked together to create the model to improve maternal health and reduce disparities in birth outcomes.
The release states in trials at four United States hospitals with hundreds of health care professionals and tens of thousands of families, 87% of patients felt they were actively engaged in labor-related decisions and 94% said their care team communicated in ways they could understand.
What they’re saying
“TeamBirth is a tool that will help give patients what they need and deserve the most: to be seen and heard. TeamBirth will truly engage patients to be an active and engaged participant in their care team because all voices matter,” said Stephanie Carson-Henderson, chair of women and infants at JPS.
“TeamBirth at JPS is a testament to collaboration and the dedication of clinicians who care deeply about the health and well-being of mothers and babies,” Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker said. “With evidence-based training and the commitment of our nurses and medical teams, we’re addressing critical challenges like high infant mortality rates and improving outcomes for the most vulnerable.”
