Decrease in the rate of ruptured ectopic pregnancies: a successful team approach

Noting the increasing frequency of ectopic pregnancy and desiring to reduce both morbidity and mortality, OB/GYN physicians at a large midwestern HMO systematically monitored all ectopic pregnancies in their clinical practice as the first step in a quality improvement project. Data were collected on several components of care including access, risk assessment, diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy, and intervention. To ensure the system was able to coordinate new diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, several key initiatives were instituted to improve patient outcomes. These included application of comprehensive guidelines, increased ultrasound availability, and increased staff and patient awareness. Following the implementation of the initiatives, there was a decrease in rupture rates from 32% in 1988 to 5% in 1992. This paper discusses the development and integration of the initiatives into the staff model HMO.