Maternal mortality remains a global challenge. Many preventable deaths arise not only from medical causes but also from communication breakdowns and team dynamics. Recent research reveals that psychological safety in maternity care—a shared belief that individuals can express ideas or concerns without fear—plays a crucial role in improving outcomes. When healthcare teams feel safe to speak up, they perform more effectively, detect problems sooner, and prevent harm.
Understanding Psychological Safety in Maternity Care
Definition and Importance
The concept of psychological safety was first introduced by Harvard professor Amy Edmondson in 1999. It describes a work environment where team members feel secure enough to share questions, ideas, or mistakes without punishment or ridicule (Harvard Business Review). In maternity settings, psychological safety in maternity care supports:
- Honest communication
- Rapid error detection
- Collaborative problem-solving
- Shared responsibility for outcomes
Moreover, teams that foster psychological safety tend to learn faster and deliver better patient care.
Why Psychological Safety in Maternity Care Matters
1. Stronger Communication During Emergencies
Maternal emergencies—such as preeclampsia, hemorrhage, and shoulder dystocia—require fast and accurate communication. When psychological safety in maternity care exists, every staff member can confidently share observations and recommendations. As a result, teams respond more quickly and effectively (Keller et al., 2016).
2. Better Reporting and Learning
Psychological safety encourages the reporting of near misses and complications. Consequently, hospitals can identify patterns, make system changes, and prevent future harm (Singer et al., 2003). Continuous learning becomes part of the team culture, not just a reaction to crisis.
3. Reduced Burnout and Higher Retention
Workplace stress and burnout are common in maternity care. However, when professionals feel valued and supported, they are more likely to stay engaged. Studies show that fostering psychological safety in maternity care can lower stress, prevent errors, and improve morale (Hall et al., 2016).
Evidence That Psychological Safety Improves Maternal Outcomes
Research Highlights
- A UK study found that maternity units with higher levels of psychological safety in maternity care had fewer serious complications such as hemorrhage and ICU admissions (O’Donnell et al., 2019).
- Teams trained in structured communication and psychological safety principles managed obstetric emergencies more efficiently, which led to better outcomes for mothers and infants (McLennan et al., 2021).
These findings confirm that promoting psychological safety in maternity care directly enhances clinical performance and patient safety.
How to Build Psychological Safety in Maternity Teams
1. Leadership Commitment
Leaders must set the tone. By being approachable, acknowledging their own mistakes, and thanking team members for feedback, leaders create a supportive environment. This transparency helps strengthen psychological safety throughout the organization.
2. Consistent Team Training
Regular simulation and debriefing sessions are vital. They should include both technical and communication skills. Through repetition and open reflection, teams develop mutual trust and confidence (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality).
3. Clear Feedback Channels
Hospitals should provide structured systems for anonymous feedback. Furthermore, responding to staff concerns promptly demonstrates accountability and builds long-term confidence in leadership.
4. Collaborative Decision-Making
Breaking down professional hierarchies encourages nurses, midwives, physicians, and residents to share input equally. In turn, this inclusive culture deepens psychological safety in maternity care.
5. Supportive Work Culture
A healthy work culture promotes balance, mental health, and appreciation. When staff feel cared for, they are far more likely to extend that care to patients.
Conclusion: Safer Teams, Healthier Families
Reducing maternal mortality requires more than advanced clinical skills. It also depends on fostering psychological safety in maternity care—where communication, respect, and trust are the norm. When healthcare workers feel safe to speak up, teams perform better, mothers receive safer care, and families thrive.
Through intentional leadership, team training, and open collaboration, hospitals can create environments where every voice is heard. This shift not only saves lives but also transforms the culture of maternity care.
Maternal 911 Education Systems, LLC is led by a team of experts in emergency obstetrics and maternal safety, dedicated to improving outcomes through evidence-based, team-centered education. Passionate about maternal health education, Maternal 911 advocates for evidence-based practices and interdisciplinary team training. Their mission is to reduce pregnancy risks through education and emergency training. Learn more at maternal911.com.
Click here to contact us with any questions.
Educational use only — not a substitute for clinical judgment or local protocols.
References
- Edmondson AC. (1999). Psychological Safety and Learning Behavior in Work Teams. Administrative Science Quarterly, 44(2), 350-383.
- Keller S et al. (2016). Communication patterns in obstetric emergencies. J Perinat Neonatal Nurs, 30(3), 253-262.
- Singer SJ et al. (2003). The culture of safety: results of an organization-wide survey in 15 California hospitals. Qual Saf Health Care, 12(4), 305-310.
- Hall LH et al. (2016). Healthcare staff wellbeing, burnout, and patient safety: a systematic review. PLoS One, 11(7), e0159015.
- O’Donnell S et al. (2019). Psychological safety and maternal outcomes: a multicenter observational study. BMJ Qual Saf, 28(6), 453-459.
- McLennan S et al. (2021). Impact of team communication training on obstetric emergency outcomes. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth, 21, 290.
