What we have learned about quality measures for intrapartum obstetrical care

Semin Perinatol. 2016 Aug;40(5):318-20. doi: 10.1053/j.semperi.2016.03.009. Epub 2016 May 19.

Abstract

One of the most important purposes of measuring the quality of care is to improve the quality of care. Without measurement, it is not possible to determine whether changes in medical care delivery are helping patients. This article reviews important concepts in the measurement of quality obstetrical care, and demonstrates how these concepts have been informed by the Assessment of Perinatal Excellence (APEX) study performed by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units (MFMU) Network.

Keywords: Quality of care; measurement; obstetrics; quality improvement.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Evidence-Based Practice / standards*
  • Female
  • Fetal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Fetal Diseases / therapy
  • Humans
  • National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (U.S.)*
  • Obstetrics* / organization & administration
  • Obstetrics* / standards
  • Parturition
  • Pregnancy
  • Quality Improvement*
  • Quality of Health Care* / standards
  • United States