Huddles and Debriefings: Improving Communication on Labor and Delivery

Abstract

Interprofessional teams work together on the labor and delivery unit, where clinical care is often unscheduled, rapidly evolving, and fast paced. Effective communication is key for coordinated delivery of optimal care and for fostering a culture of community and safety in the workplace. The preoperative huddle allows for information sharing, cross-checking, and preparation before the start of surgery. Postoperative debriefings allow the operative team to engage in ongoing process improvement. Debriefings after adverse events allow for shared understanding, mutual healing, and help mitigating the harm to potential "second victims."

Keywords: Adverse event debriefing; Obstetric anesthesia; Patient safety; Postoperative debriefing; Preoperative huddle.