GREENVILLE, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--No differences in racial disparities were observed in clinical outcomes associated with OB hospitalist involved care, according to a new analysis of patient reported racial identification from 31,000 deliveries and 319,000 patient encounters. Results from Ob Hospitalist Group’s (OBHG) analysis exceeded national goals for all races and showed improved clinical outcomes, including C-sections and return to the hospital within 48 hours for patients under 34 weeks gestational age. These results suggest the company’s approach to maternal care is effective in addressing racial bias in care and improving maternal outcomes.
OBHG, the nation’s largest and only dedicated OB hospitalist provider, evaluated clinical results for elective deliveries, episiotomies, NSTV C-sections, 3rd/4th degree lacerations with and without instrumentation, and return to the Obstetrics Emergency Department (OBED) within 48 hours for patients under 34 weeks estimated gestation. The analysis included clinical results from August 2022 – February 2023 and looked at data from patients who self-reported their race as American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander or White. Data from patients who did not report race or selected unknown were included in the overall OBHG network results. The data revealed similar outcomes regardless of race.
This data is being fast tracked for release to aid the medical and hospital community’s approach to maternal mortality and related complications. “Maternal mortality is a problem long in search of solutions and OB hospitalists are a key ingredient in addressing this national health issue,” said Dr. Mark Simon, Chief Medical Officer, OBHG. “We wanted to release this data quickly because it may aid in improving maternal outcomes and reduce future racial disparities.”
Positive C-Section Outcomes
C-sections, which carry increased risks for pregnant patients in their current and future pregnancies, was one focus of the analysis. From August 2022 through February 2023, C-section rates for OBHG patients were significantly lower for all races than CDC National Vital Statistics Report Data (19.5% for OBHG vs. 26.3% for CDC). C-section rates for white OBHG patients were 15% compared to the 25.2% delivery rate reported by the CDC. For Black patients, OBHG’s delivery rate was 18.2% compared to the 31.2% delivery rate reported by the CDC.
Lacerations and episiotomies were another focus of the analysis, as they can lead to significant sequalae for patients. OBHG examined three metrics related to these events, vaginal delivery with episiotomy, 3rd/4th degree lacerations with instrumentation, and 3rd/4th degree lacerations without instrumentation. For these scenarios, OBHG’s overall network performance also remained below national averages. For Black patients, the national goal for vaginal delivery with episiotomy is 5.0% vs. OBHG’s 1.7%. The national goal for 3rd/4th degree laceration with instrument is 11.7% vs. OBHG’s 5.0%. The national goal of 3rd/4th degree laceration without instrument is 1.7% vs. OBHG’s 0.5%.
“Research suggests that Black women receive lower quality of health care than white women, which increases the risk of pregnancy-related complications and deaths,” said Dr. Simon. “It is our desire to report our progress to aid healthcare providers in preventing pregnancy-related deaths regardless of race.”
OBHG strives to avoid providing unnecessary care to patients that can add to the overall expense of healthcare or expose patients to additional harm in the healthcare system. Results from OBHG’s analysis demonstrated OBHG clinicians are not electively inducing patients under 39 weeks gestational age in line with the national goal of 0%. Additionally, OBHG has an internal goal to limit the number of patients, under 34 weeks gestational age, who need to return to the OBED within 48 hours. The data show that OBHG can keep these results consistent and below the goal of 5% for all racial groups.
How OBHG is addressing disparities and implicit bias
OBHG believes that every woman in America should have access to immediate, unbiased care through all stages of pregnancy. With a 24/7 onsite OBHG program, no matter the day or time, there is an experienced OBHG hospitalist on-site, ready to care for patients and handle any emergency that may come through the door. Factors such as race, ethnicity, geographic region and payer status do not matter. Additionally, OBHG clinicians implement nationally recognized protocols for numerous obstetrical conditions in a non-biased fashion. OBHG also continues to emphasize the importance of unconscious bias through regular training delivered to all team members. The company strives to have a clinical team that reflects the communities served; 63% of clinical employees are female and 40% racial and ethnic minorities.
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.
