Fetal Safety Masterclass – Maternity teams working together for safe, woman-centred care
23 October 2023
On October 9, the Clinical Excellence Commission (CEC) held the inaugural ‘Fetal Safety Masterclass’, bringing together obstetricians and midwives from across NSW Health maternity services. The goal of the masterclass was to support and strengthen expertise in facilitation of the Perinatal Safety Education (PSE) program. This is an example of how the CEC embeds safety and quality in the system.
“It’s all about recognising and valuing women, carers, loved ones and staff as partners in healthcare,” said Maria Crilley, Acting Principal Lead, Patient Safety Improvement Programs at the CEC.
“Our care should always be individualised and centred around the woman and the fetus. Alone we can do a little. Together, as a team, we can do so much more,” she said.
The fetal safety masterclass provided a refocus on the physiology of fetal hypoxia and best practice for assessment and care planning within the multidisciplinary team.
The day started with an important emphasis on how to build and support a psychologically safe environment for staff, women and carers. Following this conversation, the principles of woman-centred care were explored, including the importance of communication and collaboration between the woman and the health care team. After the four types of fetal hypoxia were examined, the teams explored opportunities for improvement in group sessions. Here they discussed ideas and activities that could continue to improve fetal safety education and care of women, babies and families.
Over lunch, teams mused over the learnings of the day.
“The education saves babies’ and mothers’ lives. The training gives physicians the tools to respond promptly in critical situations.”
“The training provides a platform to improve communications between clinicians. If there is a difference in level of concern between two clinicians, it provides a framework for challenging conversations.”
Amanda Hendy (Hunter New England Local Health District), Elle Coombes (Mid-North Coast Local Health District), Louise White (Northern NSW Local Health District), Frances Guy (Mid-North Coast Local Health District).
The refocus on physiology and clinical knowledge was an important element of the masterclass.
“Learning about the physiology helps us understand the clinical picture and feel confident in what’s happening. This can help us to explain [to the patient] the need for appropriate interventions while minimising unnecessary interventions and the associated risks.”
“This masterclass empowers midwives to work in the full scope of practice. This gives us the language to engage with obstetricians.”
The masterclass acknowledged the value and importance of all members of the team.
“The Clinical Excellence Commission showed our value by inviting us. Feeling valued is motivation to stay and continue providing excellent service.”
“The CEC is not a stand-off organisation in an ivory tower. They are engaging with us and opening the communications pathway.”
Rachel Carroll (Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District), Annie Evans (Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District), Bianca Bryce (Tweed Hospital), Jenny Flaherty (Southern NSW Local Health District).
The next fetal safety masterclass is planned for mid-February 2024. For more information please email the Maternity and Neonatal Safety Program team at cec-maternity@health.nsw.gov.au.
Dr Raiyomand Dalal, Director, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Campbelltown & Camden Hospitals and Associate Professor, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University; Jakie Hattam, Project Officer, Maternal and Perinatal Patient Safety, CEC; Maria Crilley, Acting Principal Lead, Patient Safety Improvement Program, CEC; Dr Andy Woods, Senior Clinical Advisor, Obstetrics, Health and Social Policy Branch (HSPB), MoH; Morwenna Williams, Clinical Lead, Maternal and Perinatal Patient Analyst, CEC; Jo Davis, Improvement Lead, Maternity & Neonatal Safety Program, CEC; Cathy Adams, Project Lead, Maternity and Neonatal Patient Safety Program, CEC and Amanda Rehayem, Midwifery Project Lead, Preterm Birth Prevention, CEC.