According to the CDC, the maternal death rate in the U.S. has more than doubled since 1987. So, with that shocking statistic in mind, we felt that we had to point out articles dealing with pregnancy … and a reminder that alarm fatigue just doesn’t annoy nurses … and, lastly, one interesting video from Derriford Hospital in the UK that is improving health outcomes for its patients by doing the “wiggle”.
Can We Improve Health Outcomes for Pregnant Mothers?
A guest post by Dr Kenny Lin asks a great question, “Why are doctors still prescribing bed rest in pregnancy?”
Physicians prescribed bed rest for Lindsey Lafferty, who was just 22 weeks pregnant when her body started showing signs of preparing for delivery. However, as this St Louis Post article makes us wonder – was this the best advice?
This news reports by a local CBS-affiliate asks “C-sections: Does your hospital perform too many?”
How could the common C-section pose a risk?
Mothers who deliver by C-section are at an increased risk of developing blood clots, which could be fatal.
Alarm Fatigue – Not Just an Annoyance to Nursing Staff
Hats off to @DicksonData for pointing out this article that reminds us that “noise is an environmental stressor that can have physiological and psychological effects” on patients.
Can “Wiggling” Provide Better Health Outcomes?
Derriford Hospital achieved a 25 per cent reduction in bed sores after nurses implemented simple measures that can be taken by patients – in this case wiggling (as shown in this YouTube video) to encourage patient ambulation.
What similar measures could be taken to, for example, remind clinicians to continuously electronically monitor their patients who receive opioids?
Would love to hear your suggestions and comments.