Thanks to their hard work during a two-year collaborative effort through the Maryland Safety Patient Council, the staff of the UPMC Western Maryland Labor & Delivery, Postpartum and Nursery has some new recognition to display.

UPMC Western Maryland was recently recognized for completing the NAS initiative, which teaches standardized care for infants suffering from Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, which is a group of conditions that occur when a baby withdraws from drugs that he or she was exposed to in the womb. Sixty-six staff members underwent specialized computer training dealing with medication, withdraw situations and overall treatment during a baby’s stay in the hospital.

UPMC Western Maryland was one of 32 hospitals in the state to take the training. As a result, positive changes have occurred in several areas, including a reduction in average days of therapy from 14 to 11 and length of hospital stay from 19 days to 16. In addition to the reduction of cost and days spent at the hospital, the standardization makes the overall experience easier on the families of the infant patient.

“It taught us the best practice to take care of these babies,” said Charge Nurse Terri Crawford. “We’ve seen a real difference. The training involved makes the parents a bigger part of the treatment for the baby.”

In order to qualify for the NAS banner, 85 percent of staff must take the training. “We are proud to say that we had 91 percent participation,” Crawford said. “To have that number comply is just awesome.”

The knowledge the staff now shares allows for continuity even as staffing changes during a family’s stay in the hospital.

“We are very proud,” Crawford added. “It is a real privilege to work with so many who are this dedicated to caring for these patients in our community.”