Texas "Quality Improvement Summit"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Ernie Pina-Sandoval 713-303-8002 epinasandoval@marchofdimes.com

Texas “Quality Improvement Summit”
Texas March of Dimes Partners with American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to Decrease Elective Inductions Prior to 39 Weeks

AUSTIN, TEXAS MAY 21, 2010 — One in every seven babies born in Texas is premature. The rate of preterm births has increased over 30% the past thirty years. Many of the babies born prematurely are “late pre-term births” - those born between 34 and 36 completed weeks gestation. However, even babies born at 35 weeks can have increased risk of infection, breathing problems, and are more likely to be admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Research has shown that 35 week babies have only 2/3 the brain mass they will have at 40 weeks.

The issue of elective inductions and c-sections prior to 39 weeks is a critical issue to be reviewed by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, in partnership with March of Dimes on Wednesday, May 26th at the Texas Medical Association in Austin. The two groups will partner to host the “Quality Improvement Summit” - Reducing Elective Inductions Prior to 39 Weeks. “Reducing non-medically indicated deliveries prior to 39 weeks gestation is important in improving the health of babies," said Scott D. Berns, MD, MPH, Senior Vice President of Chapter Programs - March of Dimes National Office. “The Texas Quality Improvement Summit is a shining example of how organizations working together can catalyze quality improvement initiatives to help moms and babies.”

The summit will bring together physicians, nurses, hospital administration and other stakeholders from around Texas. Best practices for decreasing elective inductions and c-sections will also be shared at the event. A soon to be released quality improvement toolkit, developed by the California Health Department, California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative and California Chapter of the March of Dimes will also be discussed with attendees, so they can consider implementing it within their own Texas hospital or teaching institution.