Shoulder Dystocia: Quality, Safety, and Risk Management Considerations

Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2016 Dec;59(4):841-852. doi: 10.1097/GRF.0000000000000228.

Abstract

Shoulder dystocia is a term that evokes terror and fear among many physicians, midwives, and health care providers as they recollect at least 1 episode of shoulder dystocia in their careers. Shoulder dystocia can result in significant maternal and neonatal complications. Because shoulder dystocia is an urgent, unanticipated, and uncommon event with potentially catastrophic consequences, all practitioners and health care teams must be well-trained to manage this obstetric emergency. Preparation for shoulder dystocia in a systematic way, through standardization of process, practicing team-training and communication, along with technical skills, through simulation education and ongoing quality improvement initiatives will result in improved outcomes.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Birth Injuries / prevention & control*
  • Clinical Competence
  • Delivery, Obstetric / adverse effects
  • Delivery, Obstetric / education*
  • Disclosure
  • Dystocia / therapy*
  • Emergencies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Labor Stage, Second / physiology
  • Midwifery / education
  • Obstetrics / education*
  • Patient Care Team / standards*
  • Patient Safety
  • Patient-Centered Care
  • Pregnancy
  • Risk Assessment
  • Shoulder
  • Simulation Training