Operative Vaginal Birth Safety Bundle | Victorian Managed Insurance Authority

Supporting safer births with the Operative Vaginal Birth (OVB) Safety Bundle

Operative vaginal births account for around 15% of all births in Victoria, where instruments like forceps and vacuum (ventouse) are required to assist in the birth. While these procedures are sometimes required, they also increase the likelihood of complications for both mother and baby, making it a key focus for the Consultative Council on Obstetric and Paediatric Mortality and Morbidity (CCOPMM).

The OVB Safety Bundle aligns with CCOPMM’s recommendations and has been endorsed by the Council. The initial evaluation by Monash Health has shown strong results with a significant 27% reduction in composite neonatal morbidity and newborn injuries (find out more from the video below).

It was also recognised at the 2024 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards, winning the women’s health category. This further reinforces the effectiveness of the safety bundle and its value in supporting safer birth outcomes.

OVB Safety Bundle - Key Features

The Operative Vaginal Birth (OVB) Safety Bundle includes four key practices designed to improve safety, communication, and the overall birth experience for women, babies, and their support persons.

Ultrasound before the procedure

Conducting an ultrasound helps maternity care teams accurately determine the baby’s head position. This improves clinical decision-making and reduces the risk of complications for both mother and baby.

Pre-procedural Time-Out

Before starting an OVB, the team pauses for a “time-out” to confirm that all required clinicians are present and aligned. This quick check ensures everyone is prepared, improving safety for both mother and baby.

Safety Checklist

This checklist keeps the team on track and reassures the woman and her support persons that all necessary precautions are in place for a safe birth.

Birth Experience Pathway

A woman’s birth experience is a crucial indicator of their wellbeing and ongoing care needs. This pathway offers an opportunity to enhance maternity care by learning from real experiences.

Transforming care

Join Prof. Ryan Hodges and Dr. Sasha Skinner from Monash Health as they explain how the OVB Safety Bundle is transforming care for women, babies and clinicians.

Partner with us to improve maternity care

We’re now supporting Monash Health to develop a training program and roll out the OVB Safety Bundle across Victoria’s maternity services, focusing on hospitals designated at Levels 4 through 6 in Victoria’s Maternity Capability Framework.

We encourage health services to explore how adopting the OVB Safety Bundle can enhance patient safety and quality of care. To learn more about implementing the safety bundle in your hospital, contact Monash Health at saferbirthingcoe@monashhealth.org