The Alameda Health System (AHS) Family Birthing Center (FBC) recently hosted a validation visit from Beta Healthcare Group’s perinatal risk insurance manager. AHS was informed that the FBC had successfully implemented strategies identified for the “Quest for Zero: Excellence in OB” program as crucial to the safety of its mothers and babies. As a result, AHS will receive a 6% credit worth approximately $170K towards its insurance premium.

“I am proud of all of the preparation and execution that the FBC team orchestrated in order to have a successful assessment for the sixth year in a row. We will continue to adhere to the Quest for Zero initiative because their program goals align with what we are working toward daily at AHS: eliminating preventable errors, reducing risks, and improving perinatal safety,” said Kevin Scott Smith, M.D., chairman of the AHS department of obstetrics and gynecology.

The FBC has incorporated a number of perinatal best practices as part of its ongoing safety work. Seven months ago, the unit began holding interdisciplinary huddles twice per shift to review fetal heart rate (FHR) tracings of mothers receiving continuous electronic fetal monitoring. Gathering the care team together on a regular basis for group review and discussion of FHR tracings allows the unit’s nurses and providers to maintain awareness of evolving clinical scenarios and to voice their observations and concerns.

BETA Healthcare Group plans to share the FBC’s materials and processes with other facilities as an example of best practice in perinatal safety. Karen Meyer, the FBC’s clinical educator, and Denise Tukenmez, M.D., AHS division chief for obstetrics were co-leads on the FHR huddle project and coordinated the visit from BETA. “It is always wonderful to be recognized for your achievements. But what is even better is having mom and baby leave our hospital happy and healthy. I am proud to be part of this team,” said Meyer.