Postpartum cart, medications improve time to hemorrhage response

The use of a postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) cart and medication kit significantly reduced the time needed to respond to PPH, according to a study in the February issue of the Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety. Supplies and medications essential for treating PPH are not typically located near the hemorrhaging patient. This creates delays in treatment, which can result in significant blood loss. In a simulation, prepositioning a PPH cart and medication kit significantly reduced the time and distance traveled to obtain materials for treating hemorrhage, thereby optimizing the team's ability to respond efficiently, the researchers concluded. The Joint Commission implemented 13 elements of performance to improve quality and safety during all stages of pregnancy and postpartum care and began publicly reporting hospital performance on two perinatal care measures last year. (Joint Commission news release, 1/25/22)