A recent quality performance analysis conducted by Ob Hospitalist Group examined OB hospitalist teams with and without Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) at 235 OBHG hospital partner sites. The findings reinforce the significant benefits of integrating CNMs into hospital-based obstetric programs, demonstrating improved patient outcomes and enhanced maternal care.
Key findings (November 2023 – October 2024 data)
- Lower C-Section Rates – Sites with CNMs experienced a 29.3% reduction in NTSV+ C-sections compared to the national average.
- Improved Vaginal Delivery w/Episiotomy Rates – OBHG’s performance at CNM-integrated sites showed a 76.1% lower rate of episiotomies relative to national performance.
- Fewer Severe Perineal Lacerations – The incidence of 3rd/4th-degree lacerations was 23.9% lower relative to national performance at CNM-integrated sites.
- Improved Outcomes in Instrument-Assisted Deliveries – Hospitals with OBHG CNMs had 47.1% fewer severe lacerations compared to the national average.
These results highlight the value of a collaborative care model that brings together OB/GYNs and CNMs to enhance patient safety, reduce unnecessary interventions, and provide high-quality, personalized maternity care.
Strengthening outcomes with CNM integration
“This data reinforces what has long been observed—Certified Nurse-Midwives enhance maternal care by reducing unnecessary interventions and improving key outcomes,” said Dr. Mark Simon, OBHG’s Chief Medical Officer. “By fostering strong collaboration between OB/GYNs and CNMs, patient safety is advanced, care is streamlined and better results are achieved. These findings reaffirm the value of a multidisciplinary approach to hospital-based obstetrics.”
Dr. Amanda McPherson Shafton, OBHG’s National Director of Midwifery, emphasized the importance of midwifery in improving maternal outcomes: “Midwifery is rooted in providing personalized, patient-centered care, and these results highlight the critical role Certified Nurse-Midwives play in improving birth outcomes. By working alongside OB/GYNs in the hospital setting, CNMs help reduce C-section rates, improve vaginal delivery outcomes, and ensure that every patient receives the attentive, evidence-based care they deserve. This is midwifery in action, making a measurable difference for mothers and babies.”
For a deeper dive into the findings, review the full report or reach out for more information.