How delivery suite co-ordinators create situational awareness in the multidisciplinary team

Background
The role played by the delivery suite co-ordinator in providing safe care has often been overlooked, especially in major maternity policies. There is a paucity of research into this role, how it operates and what is expected by hospitals.

Aim
To analyse job descriptions to gain an understanding of organisations' expectations of the delivery suite co-ordinator role.

Method
The study authors undertook qualitative documentary analysis followed by logic modelling.

Findings
Delivery suite co-ordinators play a vital role in creating a safe clinical environment by fostering situational awareness on the delivery suite. This is achieved through strong leadership skills, which enable the gathering, management and communication of information to and from the multidisciplinary team, and facilitate joint decision-making and planning.

Conclusions
The delivery suite co-ordinator role requires a different skill set to the clinical midwife. Clinical midwives need support to develop the leadership skills required for this role.