Impact of the implementation of a standardised interdisciplinary information transfer method in the delivery room and intermediate obstetric care unit

Enferm Intensiva (Engl Ed). 2024 Jan-Mar;35(1):5-12. doi: 10.1016/j.enfie.2023.07.002. Epub 2023 Aug 17.

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to describe the implementation of the standard methodology for information transfer in the labour ward and Intermediate Obstetric Care Unit and to identify the impact of this implementation on the factors that act as facilitators and barriers in the procedure.

Method: Quasi-experimental pretest-posttest study without a control group in an Intermediate Obstetric Care Unit and delivery room of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Service of a tertiary hospital in Barcelona. Healthcare staff self-completed an ad hoc questionnaire before and after implementing the standardised IDEAS methodology in the service during 2019 and 2020. Personal self-perception in the information transfer procedure was assessed. The Wilcoxon pairwise test was used for comparison before and after.

Results: The use of a standardised methodology has shown an impact on improving the transmission of information. Significant differences were detected before and after the intervention in the following dimensions: location, people involved, time period of the procedure, structured, orderly and clear, and sufficient time for questions (p < 0.001); while no differences were observed in: transmission to the referring professional, well-defined actions, and completion of a summary.

Conclusions: There are factors such as structural and organisational aspects and lack of time that hinder effective communication and therefore act as barriers to the transfer of information. The implementation of a methodology with the health professionals involved, the time and the appropriate space allows for the improvement of communication aspects in the multiprofessional team and, therefore, patient safety.

Keywords: Comunicación interdisciplinaria; Delivery rooms; Hospital; Interdisciplinary communication; Obstetricia en hospital; Obstetrics and gynecology department; Pase de guardia; Patient handoff; Patient safety; Salas de parto; Seguridad del paciente; Servicio de ginecología.

MeSH terms

  • Communication*
  • Delivery Rooms*
  • Female
  • Health Personnel
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Patient Safety
  • Pregnancy
  • Tertiary Care Centers