The Choctaw Nation Health Services Authority Labor & Delivery unit has joined the TeamBirth Initiative through the Oklahoma Perinatal Quality Improvement Collaborative at the Oklahoma Hospital Association, reinforcing its commitment to safe, patient-centered maternity care.
CNHSA marked the milestone with a kickoff celebration on March 5, recognizing the start of the initiative and the Labor & Delivery team leading the effort.
TeamBirth is a nationally recognized program designed to improve communication and shared decision-making between patients and their care teams during labor and delivery. The model encourages structured conversations among patients, nurses, and physicians to ensure everyone understands the care plan and any changes that occur during labor. The Oklahoma TeamBirth initiative is supported by Title V funding through the Oklahoma State Department of Health.
TeamBirth strategies include using a shared planning board in the patient’s room to outline the care plan and labor progress, and conducting regular “huddles” with the patient, family and care team to discuss goals, concerns and next steps.
“We are excited to partner with hospitals across Oklahoma to implement TeamBirth and strengthen communication during one of the most important moments in a family’s life,” said Barbara O’Brien, director of the OPQIC. “Programs like this help ensure patients, families and care teams work together to support safe and positive birth experiences.”
“At Choctaw Nation Health Services, our priority is the safety and well-being of our patients and their families,” Kim Erwin, Labor & Delivery Manager for CNHSA, said. “Joining the TeamBirth initiative supports our commitment to teamwork and ensuring every mother feels informed and supported throughout her childbirth experience.”
Through this initiative, Choctaw Nation Health Services continues its efforts to advance maternal health and improve outcomes for mothers and babies across the region.