Connecticut Medical Malpractice: New Maternal Hemorrhage Protocols

With an increase in maternal mortality nationwide, maternal care protocols are in need of an overhaul. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports an estimated 60% of deaths reviewed were preventable. Since 1987, the maternal mortality rate doubled to 17.3 deaths per 100,000 patients, well over the Healthy People 2020 goal of 11.4.

As of July 2020, The Joint Commission issued new elements of performance that hospitals would be surveyed on in the area of maternal care. Hemorrhage, the leading cause of maternal death worldwide, accounts for 11.2% of pregnancy-related deaths. The following are some protocols issued related to maternal hemorrhage.

1. Performing a hemorrhage risk-assessment upon admission to the labor and delivery floor as well as post-partum care.
2. Hospitals should develop written procedures for hemorrhage care.
3. Hospitals should develop a crash cart for maternal hemorrhage care.
4. Provide a dedicated staff member to educate and inform staff on the hospital’s procedures for managing maternal hemorrhage.
5. Conduct hemorrhage drills.
6. Perform case reviews.
7. Provide patient and family education. 

If you or a loved one was injured, including death, after delivering a baby, contact our firm. Our team comprises a doctor/attorney, Bob Messey, and a nurse attorney, Gayle Sullivan, who, along with the rest of the firm’s experienced Connecticut medical malpractice team, will conduct an immediate medical and legal investigation into your case.