Equitable maternal care: OB hospitalists outperform national averages across racial groups

Equitable maternal care: OB hospitalists outperform national averages across racial groups

OB Hospitalist Group (OBHG), the largest dedicated OB hospitalist provider in the nation, has released a comprehensive report analyzing key maternal health outcomes across racial groups. Tracking metrics such as cesarean section rates, episiotomies, and return visits to OB emergency departments within 48 hours, the report highlights the equitable outcomes that OB hospitalists deliver to patients of all racial and ethnic identities. The report found that cesarean section rates for patients cared for by OB hospitalists were consistently below the national target of 23.6%, with no significant differences in outcomes between racial groups. In addition, while some metrics, such as episiotomy rates and return visits to the OBED, varied across racial lines, the data underscores the role of OB hospitalists in providing equitable, high-quality care to all patients. 

Data collection and findings 

Data for the report was collected from 188 distinct hospital locations across 38 states, representing more than 59,000 deliveries and 617,000 total patient encounters. The findings reveal that OB hospitalists, who implement and follow nationally endorsed clinical protocols, are well-positioned to reduce racial disparities in maternal health outcomes, providing an equal level of care regardless of a patient’s racial or ethnic background. Additionally, OBHG is committed to tracking key clinical data and making ongoing improvements to further reduce gaps in care. 

One key finding in the report is the NTSV (Nulliparous, Term, Singleton, Vertex) cesarean delivery rates. All racial groups had NTSV C-section rates below the national goal of 23.6%, with white patients at 21.5%, American Indian/Alaskan Native patients at 19.9%, Asian patients at 22.8%, Black patients at 23.2%, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander patients at 21.6%.  

The report also addressed other metrics, such as episiotomies and return visits to OB emergency departments or triage within 48 hours. Black patients had a lower rate of episiotomies compared to white patients, while Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander patients had a higher rate of 5.2%. However, despite these differences, overall measures of pelvic floor trauma were not statistically different between racial groups, which is consistent with other published data. Return visits to OBED within 48 hours were slightly higher for Black patients (2.3%) compared to white patients (2.0%), underscoring the need for enhanced support in addressing the social and economic factors that disproportionately impact these patients. 

Commitment to equity 

As part of its efforts to eliminate disparities in care, OBHG emphasizes the importance of a diverse clinical workforce. Currently, 17.2% of OBHG's clinicians are Black—more than double the national average of 7.1% reported by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). By fostering a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities they serve, OBHG is working to improve healthcare outcomes for underrepresented groups. OBHG also continues to require annual implicit bias training for all clinicians. This proactive approach, coupled with rigorous adherence to nationally standardized protocols, ensures that clinicians are equipped to recognize and address disparities in treatment, creating a healthcare environment where every patient receives unbiased, evidence-based care. 

"Equity in women’s healthcare isn’t just a goal, it’s a necessity," said Dr. Mark Simon, Chief Medical Officer at OBHG. "Our focus on increasing diversity within our clinical teams, coupled with implicit bias training, allows us to provide higher-quality, more consistent care to all women—no matter their race or background. The data shows that OB hospitalists are uniquely positioned to bridge gaps and improve outcomes for women across the country." 

Leading the way in maternal healthcare 

The report underscores OBHG's leadership in advancing maternal healthcare and its ongoing commitment to addressing racial disparities. As the largest and only dedicated OB hospitalist provider in the U.S., OBHG is setting a new standard for equitable care in women’s health. 

For more information about the findings and OBHG’s efforts to improve outcomes for women across racial lines, read the full report here.

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About OB Hospitalist Group 

Ob Hospitalist Group (OBHG) is the nation’s largest and only dedicated provider of customized women’s health solutions, focused on improving access to care and ensuring all women receive timely, unconditional obstetric care. Our team partners with hospitals across the nation to improve maternal safety and outcomes and reduce physician burnout. As part of our dedicated women’s health focus, we ensure that every pregnant woman presenting to labor and delivery with unscheduled medical needs receives timely, expert care from a skilled clinician. Our 1,500+ clinicians partner closely with local OB/GYN physicians, providing collaborative, non-competitive support. Together, we deliver great patient care and clinicians passionate about their role in caring for pregnant women. OBHG is headquartered in Greenville, SC. For more information, visit www.OBHG.com.