Randomized control trial comparing hygroscopic cervical dilators to cervical ripening balloon for outpatient cervical ripening.

BACKGROUND: Outpatient term preinduction cervical ripening with mechanical agents has been associated with reduced length of stay, decreased cesarean delivery rates, low maternal and neonatal complications, and increased incidence of vaginal delivery within 24 hours. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to demonstrate equivalent efficacy between synthetic hygroscopic dilators and the single-balloon catheter for outpatient cervical ripening. STUDY DESIGN: This randomized control equivalence trial compared synthetic hygroscopic dilators with the 30-mL silicone single-balloon catheter in primiparous and multiparous patients undergoing labor induction. The primary outcome was time from admission to delivery, with a prespecified 3-hour margin of equivalence. The secondary objectives were patient outcomes and perspectives. RESULTS: Between March 1, 2019, and May 31, 2021, 1605 patients met the screening criteria, and 174 patients completed the study. The mean admission-to-delivery time was equivalent at 18.01 hours for the dilator group vs 17.55 hours for the balloon group (P=.04). The cesarean delivery rate of primiparous patients was similar at 28.1% with dilators vs 29.7% with the balloon. The groups had similar median cervical dilation and pain scores on insertion and admission. Overall patient satisfaction was high, 92.8% with dilators vs 96.2% with the balloon. The balloon group had significantly higher rates of early admission and device expulsion. CONCLUSION: Although the enrollment goal was not met, our study suggests that synthetic hygroscopic dilators and the single-balloon catheter for outpatient cervical ripening are both efficacious with similar time from admission to delivery, pain scores, and patient satisfaction with the procedure.

Use of Obstetric and Gynecologic Hospitalists Is Associated With Decreased Severe Maternal Morbidity in the United States.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of obstetric and gynecologic (Ob/Gyn) hospitalists and determine if an association exists between the presence of Ob/Gyn hospitalists and severe maternal morbidity (SMM). METHODS: This observational study included data from hospitals listed in the USA TODAY 's 2019 article titled, "Deadly deliveries: Childbirth complication rates at maternity hospitals." Telephone and email surveys of staff in these hospitals identified the presence or absence of continuous providers in the hospital 24 hours, 7 days a week (24/7 coverage) and the types of providers who are employed, then compared these responses with the SMM cited by USA TODAY . RESULTS: Eight hundred ten hospitals were contacted, with participation from 614 labor and delivery units for a response rate of 75.8%. Fifty-seven percent of units were staffed with 24/7 coverage, with 46% of hospitals' coverage primarily provided by an Ob/Gyn hospitalist and 54% primarily by a nonhospitalist OB/Gyn provider. The SMM and presence of 24/7 coverage increased with the level of neonatal care and delivery volume. Of hospitals with 24/7 coverage, those that primarily used Ob/Gyn hospitalists had a lower SMM for all mothers (1.7 versus 2.0, P = 0.014) and for low-income mothers (1.9 versus 2.30, P = 0.007) than those who primarily used nonhospitalist OB/Gyn providers. CONCLUSIONS: Severe maternal morbidity increases with delivery volume, level of neonatal care, and 24/7 coverage. Of hospitals with 24/7 coverage, units that staff with Ob/Gyn hospitalists have lower levels of SMM than those that use nonhospitalist Ob/Gyn providers.

Ochsner Obstetrics and Gynecology Simulation Program: A Review of the Literature and Description of a Multidisciplinary Simulation Program Targeting Management of Obstetric Emergencies.

Background: Simulation training improves the response to obstetric emergencies. Methods: We review the current literature regarding simulation training for provider education, team training, and obstetric outcomes and describe the implementation of a multidisciplinary obstetric simulation program. Results: A review of literature available at PubMed reveals many studies focused on provider education but few studies detailing the direct impact on patients. We review simulation reports that demonstrate improved clinical outcomes after obstetric emergencies-such as shoulder dystocia, postpartum hemorrhage, delivery of the second twin, operative vaginal delivery, urgent cesarean delivery, and neonatal resuscitation-as these studies formed the basis of the Ochsner Obstetrics and Gynecology Simulation Program in New Orleans, LA. We discuss the 3 principal simulation formats at Ochsner: a half-day course at the simulation training center, in-situ simulation on clinical care floors, and just-in-time training in the classroom. We also present detailed examples of simulation scenarios to assist others in creating a robust simulation program to ensure staff and providers are well trained to respond to obstetric emergencies. Conclusion: The Ochsner Obstetrics and Gynecology Simulation Program was formulated on published literature and incorporates a variety of clinical settings, scenarios, and approaches to improve educational opportunities and response to obstetric emergencies.

Definitions of Obstetric and Gynecologic Hospitalists.

The obstetric hospitalist and the obstetric and gynecologic hospitalist evolved in response to diverse forces in medicine, including the need for leadership on labor and delivery units, an increasing emphasis on quality and safety in obstetrics and gynecology, the changing demographics of the obstetric and gynecologic workforce, and rising liability costs. Current (although limited) research suggests that obstetric and obstetric and gynecologic hospitalists may improve the quality and safety of obstetric care, including lower cesarean delivery rates and higher vaginal birth after cesarean delivery rates as well as lower liability costs and fewer liability events. This research is currently hampered by the use of varied terminology. The leadership of the Society of Obstetric and Gynecologic Hospitalists proposes standardized definitions of an obstetric hospitalist, an obstetric and gynecologic hospitalist, and obstetric and gynecologic hospital medicine practices to standardize communication and facilitate program implementation and research. Clinical investigations regarding obstetric and gynecologic practices (including hospitalist practices) should define inpatient coverage arrangements using these standardized definitions to allow for fair conclusions and comparisons between practices.

What is an Obstetrics/Gynecology Hospitalist?

The obstetrics/gynecology (OB/GYN) hospitalist is the latest subspecialist to evolve from obstetrics and gynecology. Starting in 2002, academic leaders recognized the impact of such coalescing forces as the pressure to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality, stagnant reimbursements and the increasing cost of private practice, the decrease in applications for OB/GYN residencies, and the demand among practicing OB/GYNs for work/life balance. Initially coined laborist, the concept of the OB/GYN hospitalist emerged. Thinking of becoming an OB/GYN hospitalist? Here is what you need to know.