At the July Candello Patient Safety Study Group (PSSG) meeting, members got an inside look at the latest data and implementation insights from the TeamBirth initiative, led by Ariadne Labs in collaboration with Unravel Healthcare. The presentation, delivered by Amber Weiseth and Tyler Fox, offered a compelling case for how structured communication and shared decision-making can reshape the birthing experience—for patients and clinicians alike.

The Problem: A Crisis in Maternal Care

The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income countries. Nearly half of birthing people report holding back concerns during maternity care. One in three report mistreatment. And Black and Native American women face mortality rates two to three times higher than their white counterparts.

These aren’t just statistics—they’re signals of a system in distress.

According to The Joint Commission, 80–90 percent of sentinel events involve communication failures. In obstetrics, where decisions are time-sensitive and emotionally charged, the stakes are especially high.

The Solution: A Simple, Scalable Model

TeamBirth is a deceptively simple intervention with profound implications. At its core are two tools:

1. Structured Huddles: Brief, inclusive conversations at key decision points that bring together the full care team, including the patient.
2. The Shared Planning Board: A dry-erase board in the patient’s room that documents team members, preferences, care plans, and the timing of the next huddle.

These tools create a shared mental model, reduce ambiguity, and empower patients to participate in their care—not just as recipients, but as decision-makers.

The Impact: Data That Speaks Volumes

TeamBirth is also backed by rigorous research. In a statewide implementation across 31 hospitals in Oklahoma, over 6,500 patient surveys revealed a significant increase in autonomy scores (measured by the validated MADM scale) among those who experienced TeamBirth huddles.

Even more striking: the positive effects held steady regardless of whether patients experienced complications. In fact, TeamBirth appeared to buffer the emotional impact of adverse events, preserving patients’ sense of agency and trust.

In New Jersey, similar trends emerged, with particularly strong gains among Black patients—suggesting that TeamBirth may help reduce racial disparities in care.

And at Cleveland Clinic Akron General, TeamBirth contributed to a measurable drop in C-section rates and eliminated racial disparities in those outcomes. Their HCAHPS scores soared, and the model is now being adapted for other service lines.

The Experience: Healing Through Inclusion

One patient described TeamBirth as a “healing experience.” Another noted how the team encouraged her partner to participate, making them both feel seen and supported. Clinicians, too, reported improved morale, fewer pages, and greater clarity in decision-making. TeamBirth is now active in 21 states and expanding globally.

Perhaps most telling: residents—often the most vulnerable members of the care team—reported the greatest gains in psychological safety.

Because better communication isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a matter of life and dignity.

For more information on strengthening the birth process and TeamBirth, download the latest SPS sample.