One outcome of poor team climate is medical error. The Joint
Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization’s
(JCAHO) sentinel event investigation in labor and delivery (L&D)
found poor communication as a root cause in over 80% of
perinatal deaths and injuries.7 Additionally, the leading root cause
of perinatal deaths and injuries tracked by JCAHO was
communication breakdowns, which was cited in over 80% of
events.8 In another study, poor teamwork was attributed to 40% of
maternal deaths and 45% of near miss morbidities.9 Team
performance is important in L&D because a normal situation can
transition to an emergency rather quickly. A rescue team must
assemble quickly, communicate clearly and collaborate effectively
to avoid needless morbidity or mortality.10,11