Abstract
Objective
To describe the implementation and evaluation of an evidence-based intervention—TeamBirth—to improve shared decision-making (SDM) during childbirth.
Design
An evidence-based practice project using a pre-/post-implementation, quasi-experimental design.
Setting/Local Problem
An urban, tertiary care, teaching hospital in Colorado. The labor and delivery unit where the project was implemented averaged 350 births per month, and there was a desire to improve communication practices with patients during childbirth.
Participants
Individuals, 18 years or older, who gave birth during the project period, spoke English or Spanish, and voluntarily completed the data collection questionnaire before discharge from the hospital (N = 286).
Methods
TeamBirth is an evidence-based intervention using huddles and a shared planning board during childbirth to encourage effective communication and teamwork. It provides a standardized process to allow for the consistent implementation of SDM for all birthing people. The project collected demographic information and pre-/post-intervention data using the validated and reliable Mother’s Autonomy in Decision Making scale over an 18-week time frame.
Results
Overall, mean Mother’s Autonomy in Decision Making scale scores improved by 15.19% (p < .001) with the use of TeamBirth. The improvement was greatest for participants who identified as Black (34.03%, p < .001) and for Hispanic participants who spoke Spanish (24.48%, p < .001), with all racial/ethnic groups experiencing an improvement in scores.
Conclusion
The implementation of TeamBirth provides a structure to engage birthing people in the decision-making process regarding their childbirth. Its systematic approach mitigates implicit bias when promoting SDM to benefit birthing people across all racial and ethnic groups.