Obstetrics & Gynecology

EFM Case Study #21: Failure to Monitor

Prolonged periods of uninterpretable or absent fetal heart rate data (FHR) or uterine contraction (UC) data on the EFM strip can lead to legal complications. Failing to maintain a continuous EFM strip can imply that the perinatal team was inattentive…

Preterm Birth: Treatment Benefits

Preterm birth (PTB) is one of the most challenging issues in perinatal medicine today. The preterm birth rate in the United States is one of the worst among all developed countries and it is on the rise. Failing to monitor…

Preterm Birth: Prevention

Preterm birth (PTB) is one of the most challenging issues in perinatal medicine today. The preterm birth rate in the United States is one of the worst among all developed countries and it is on the rise. Failing to monitor…

Surgeons and Burnout

Between 40% and 65% of surgeons are suffering from at least one symptom of burnout, according to a recent national study. Evidence indicates that burned-out surgeons are more likely to experience negative personal consequences such as addictions, sleep disorders, cardiovascular…

EFM Case Study #17: Oxytocin Truths and Myths

Exogenous oxytocin (Pitocin) may be the most commonly used drug in obstetrics but it is not benign. Its use in clinical practice is riddled with myths, unsubstantiated by science, that perpetuate poor practice habits. Misuse, overuse, and sometimes abuse in…

EFM Case Study #16: Equipment Failure

Medical error is the third leading cause of death in the US and technology failure is to blame 44% of the time. Perinatal clinicians are frequently unaware of the equipment limitations they use routinely. Non-invasive blood pressure machines, pulse oximeters,…

EFM Case Study #15: Critical Event Notification

The obstetric malpractice claim of “a delay in treatment of fetal distress” remains the number one factor In over 20% of claims from multiple PIAA resources. The key to avoiding delaying treatment to a fetus in distress is to recognize…