The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine recently recognized a Central Coast doctor as one of the top caregivers in the nation.
Dr. Laurence Shields—medical director of Marian Regional Medical Center’s perinatal center—won the Norman F. Gant Award for best research in maternal medicine.
The award is given for the research paper most likely to reduce maternal morbidity and/or mortality. Shields’ findings suggest that using hemorrhage protocols for mothers in the hospital will reduce the use of blood products and improve patient safety. The study involved 20,890 deliveries and was performed at 31 Dignity Health hospitals with birthing centers.
Using standardized comprehensive protocols significantly reduced blood loss and reduced the amount of hysterectomies by 45 percent, the study found.
Additionally, Shields said in a statement to the media that having a dedicated hemorrhage cart immediately available with all medical supplies and equipment necessary for treating a maternal hemorrhage uses fewer precious blood bank resources and makes the bleeding less severe.
“Unfortunately, in child birth, maternal hemorrhage is a common problem, and this is clearly a relatively simple and effective way to improve maternal safety,” Shields said in the statement.
The comprehensive maternal hemorrhage protocol was developed and implemented at Marian Regional Medical Center in 2009, and later adopted by all Dignity Health hospitals with obstetric services.
Managing Editor Amy Asman compiled this week’s Community Corner. Information should be sent to the Sun via mail, e-mail, or fax.
