The road to zero preventable birth injuries.

Background: The Seton Family of Hospitals' experience in developing and implementing transformational practices in labor and delivery (L&D) units aimed at reducing the rate of birth trauma at our facilities was previously reported.

Methods: Seton began its individual perinatal safety effort in earnest in October 2003. The endeavor brought together the four hospitals that offer obstetrical services, resulting in the establishment of an interdisciplinary team.

Eliminating birth trauma at Ascension Health.

Background: Ascension Health identified perinatal safety as one of eight priorities for action in a systemwide effort to achieve zero preventable injuries and deaths by July 2008.

Implementation: Three alpha sites developed and implemented transformational practices aimed at eliminating preventable birth trauma. Standardized order sets linked to all major areas of obstetrical care were either updated or developed and then tested and incorporated into the work flow of the labor and delivery units.