United Hospital Fund (UHF) honored Noelle M. Aikman, M.D., FACOG, residency program director for Obstetrics & Gynecology of Jersey Shore University Medical Center as a quality improvement leader during its second annual Tribute to Excellence in Health Care event in July.
The tribute recognized 63 extraordinary leaders at 57 hospital systems, long-term care facilities, home care organizations, and independent practice associations across the metropolitan region, recognizing their personal efforts to champion quality of care, patient safety, and the patient experience.
Dr. Aikman was specifically recognized for her work to reduce surgical cesarean (C-section) births at the academic medical center. Compared to natural births, C-section births carry an increased risk of infection, blood clots, longer recovery, and difficulty with future pregnancies for moms. The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit organization and advocate of data transparency in health care, recommends no more than 23.9 percent of first-time mothers deliver via C-section.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center’s rate of C-sections stood at 30.7 percent in 2017. The medical center’s leadership team committed to reducing that rate. Through Dr. Aikman’s leadership, the medical center’s primary C-section rate (rate for first-time mothers) declined to 23.4 percent in 2019. “Change of this magnitude requires a team effort, and Dr. Aikman was instrumental in establishing a culture less reliant on surgical births,” said Scott W. Smilen, M.D., FACOG, chair of obstetrics and gynecology, Jersey Shore University Medical Center. “She led a multifaceted plan that included team education, data transparency, thorough review of patient cases, engaging our providers and reinforcing key guidelines.”
Each of the honorees received the Excellence in Health Care Award at a virtual online event, held in lieu of the traditional luncheon due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Over 400 health care professionals, community leaders, and supporters registered to view the event.