Improving care at birth in high-income settings
Improving quality care at birth
Birth practices and outcomes for mothers and babies vary widely around the world. They are influenced by cultural traditions, economic factors, access to healthcare, and established medical philosophies.
What does not vary is the physiology of the birth process and the first moments of life. And the risk that comes with it.
THE CHALLENGE
The high-resource setting paradox
15% of all pregnant women globally will experience a potentially life-threatening complication that will require skilled care. And 10% of all babies require some support to start breathing. No location is without its story of maternal risk. Globally some countries enjoy better stories than others. But reducing maternal and infant mortality remains a goal that requires vigilance. No stronger proof of this exists than a recent increase in maternal mortality in two resource-rich areas that previously seemed near immune to maternal risk—the United States and Great Britain.
Maternal mortality crisis
Urgent need for preventative measures
Despite spending 18% of its national income on healthcare, the U.S. has seen maternal mortality rates more than double over the past 30 years, reaching 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2021, with significant racial disparities. Similarly, the UK has experienced a 53% increase in maternal deaths from 2020 to 2022, the highest in nearly 20 years. Our vision is to help prevent unnecessary deaths and disabilities during birth and medical emergencies, as severe complications and neonatal injuries remain prevalent in high-income countries like the U.S., where maternal complications often lead to emergency procedures and long-term health issues.
THE SOLUTION
Simulation brings good news for mother and baby
A 2021 study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology revealed how simulation-based training works. Lead jointly by Harvard Medical School, the Center for Medical Simulation in Boston, and the CRICO/Risk Management Foundation of the Harvard Medical Institutions, the study examined 292 OB/GYNs. All participated in low-frequency, high acuity obstetric scenarios over a 17-year period. Each simulation focused on teamwork, communication, and organizational culture and was followed by a debrief.
During actual care, the OB/GYNs performed measurably better as demonstrated by outcomes and a 50% decrease in malpractice claims. This study mirrors other studies that have had similar results.
MamaAnne
Helping address social inequities through simulation.
Global reach
Laerdal has a global presence and a diverse portfolio of lifesaving innovations through Laerdal Medical and our not-for-profit company, Laerdal Global Health. Our goal is to ensure all healthcare personnel have access to high quality training and education wherever they are in the world.
