In March of 2022, hospitals in Oklahoma — including Hillcrest Hospital South, Hillcrest Claremore Hospital, St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, Bailey Medical Center, and Mercy Hospital — launched TeamBirth. Developed by Ariadne Labs’ Delivery Decisions Initiative, TeamBirth is a communication and teamwork process that closes gaps in communication that challenge the safety and dignity of people giving birth. Ariadne Labs is partnering with the Oklahoma Perinatal Quality Improvement Collaborative (OPQIC) to implement TeamBirth in all of the state’s birthing hospitals over the next three years.
The launch garnered significant media attention, including the articles highlighted below. Nurses and staff at each of the four hospitals shared excitement to introduce TeamBirth, particularly noting TeamBirth’s impact on elevating the patient’s voice in their care.
Claremore Daily Progress
“Everyone should be involved – everyone that was delegated in the team. The patient is the primary member of the team – like you’re the captain.”
-Kim Wiseman, OB Nurse Manager at Hillcrest Claremore
KTUL News
“We are excited to empower our laboring moms and be able to include the entire support team. That way everybody has their say and everybody has input.”
-Angie Carlile, Obstetrics Manager at Bailey Medical Center
Fox 23 News
“I think it’s very empowering for our patients to know that they have a voice, have a say — that their thoughts and ideas are at the forefront of everything we do.”
-Shirley Pike, Labor and Delivery Unit Manager at Hillcrest Hospital South
Enid News & Eagle
“This is going to give patients a voice in their own care.”
-Malinda Isbell, Director of BirthPlace at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center
Fox 25 News
“It sounds so simple, listening to the wants and needs of our patients and including their preferences in every decision but this new program puts a mom’s requests at the core of every decision we make,”
– Dr. Chad Smith, Chief Medical Officer and Obstetrician/gynecologist, Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City