News Seton Family of Hospitals Receives Inaugural Maternity Care Quality Award

AUSTIN, TX - (April 15, 2009) - Seton Family of Hospitals is proud to be the recipient of the first Maternity Quality Matters Award given by Childbirth Connections, a not-for-profit organization working to improve the quality of maternity care through research, education, advocacy and policy.

The Maternity Quality Matters Award is given to an organization or agency that demonstrates significant improvement in maternity care quality through measurement of performance, incorporation of evidence-based practice, and responsiveness to the needs of childbearing women and their families, among other criteria.

The award honored Seton's Perinatal Safety Initiative, which decreased Seton's infant birth trauma injury rate from 0.3 percent (half the national average) in Fiscal Year 2001-03 to 0.02 percent by FY07-08. Success was achieved by developing and implementing best practices including care bundles, improved interdisciplinary communication in the delivery room and protocols for use of oxytocin, forceps and vacuum extraction.

"The end goal of Seton's perinatal safety initiative is to achieve a zero rate of preventable birth trauma," said Dr. Frank Mazza, Chief Patient Safety Officer and Associate Chief Medical Officer, Seton Family of Hospitals. "We achieved a dramatic reduction in birth trauma by making continual enhancements to care management and using methods that support evidence-based and consensus-driven obstetrical practices."

"The Seton Family of Hospitals has demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the quality of maternity care for its patients," said Pamela Stahl, senior vice president, Women's Health, UnitedHealthcare, the sponsor of the award. "Women's health initiatives are gaining positive momentum nationwide and Seton has recognized the importance of bringing quality care and focused attention to the women and children it serves."

"Seton was chosen as the winner of the first Maternity Quality Matters Award in a competitive field of 35 applicants from across the country," said Maureen Corry, Executive Director, Childbirth Connection.

The panel of judges was comprised of experts in both health care quality and service provision. Additional information about the award can be found at http://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ck=10580.