The Oklahoma Perinatal Quality Improvement Collaborative (OPQIC) acknowledged participating hospitals that are creating a culture of excellence in perinatal care for Oklahoma mothers and newborns. The hospitals were recognized at the eighth annual summit of the collaborative in Oklahoma City. Approximately 100 providers of maternal and infant care were able to come together in person at the event to discuss continued efforts to improve outcomes for Oklahoma mothers and babies, and to celebrate success from their ongoing work.
Hospitals were recognized for participation in the areas of reduction of early elective deliveries (inducing labor or scheduling cesarean births before 39 weeks without a medical reason), certification by Cribs for Kids as a Safe Sleep Hospital, implementing best care practices for pregnant women and newborns affected by opioids, achieving Baby-Friendly designation, and implementing TeamBirth, a shared decision-making process for communication.
Two Oklahoma hospitals were recognized in all five areas mentioned above: Hillcrest Medical Center, Tulsa, and INTEGRIS Canadian Valley Hospital, Yukon. Also, Norman Regional Health System and Comanche County Memorial Hospital, Lawton, were recognized for recently achieving The Joint Commission’s Perinatal Care Certification.
In addition, Barbara Koop, MS, RN, recently retired nurse program manager for OPQIC, received the Warren M. Crosby Champion for Maternal and Infant Health Award for going above and beyond to display exemplary effort to improve outcomes for mothers and babies in the local community and statewide.
The Oklahoma Perinatal Quality Improvement Collaborative (OPQIC) works to create a culture of excellence, safety and equity in perinatal care in Oklahoma. With statewide reach through expansive resources, quality improvement initiatives, and educational offerings, OPQIC actively supports families, perinatal clinicians, partners and advocates to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
Partners in the Oklahoma Perinatal Quality Improvement Collaborative include Ariadne Labs, March of Dimes, Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Oklahoma Hospital Association, Oklahoma Health Care Authority, Oklahoma Hospital Association, Oklahoma State Department of Health and City and County Health Departments, other organizations, and Oklahoma birthing hospitals.
