Doula Programs: Risk Management Strategies

To wrap up our discussion of risk management strategies for doula programs, the following steps are key to limiting liability:

Design and implement a program evaluation process. Program administrators will need to gather feedback from both the doulas and their clients and closely monitor that feedback. If a pattern emerges with a “problem” doula, it should be promptly reviewed with the doula and resolved. Doulas with repeated negative feedback, demonstrated poor judgment, or reliability
issues will need to be barred from participating with the program.

Identify high-risk incidents as they occur. A clear-cut support system for the doulas must be established, and response to potentially high-risk incidents must be made a priority. Doula program administrators should put a mechanism in place enabling doulas to notify them, as soon as possible, in the following instances:

  • Any time there is a poor birth outcome
  • Any incident in the home involving personal injury, when the doula is present
  • Any incident involving emergency hospitalization of the mother or baby, before or after delivery, if the doula is present or in any way involved
  • Any incident involving anger or rage on the part of the client
  • Any incident in which the doula is witness to illegal behavior
  • Any incident in which the doula feels that her personal safety is at risk
  • Any incident in which the client’s response seems unreasonable or out of proportion to the stimulus
  • Any incident in which the hospital’s patient advocate is called to intervene
  • Anytime the doula feels scared or lost in trying to manage a client scenario

The Doula Programs blog provides a forum for doula program visionaries and implementers to consider common challenges, ask questions, and learn from each other. Patty Brennan is the author of The Doula Business Guide: Creating a Successful MotherBaby Business.

Posted by Patty Brennan on July 28, 2011 • Filed under Doula Programs
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