Postpartum Gray Literature

Annotation: In this episode of the AIM for Safer Birth podcast series, host Christie Allen is joined by Dr. Kristen Dillon, Chief Medical Officer at the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). With an extensive background in public health, rural healthcare, and health policy, Dr. Dillon shares her journey from an urban upbringing in the San Francisco Bay Area to a dedicated career in rural medicine, including her experience overseeing Oregon's Pandemic Response Unit and working on health policy in Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office. Dr. Dillon discusses the unique challenges and solutions in providing quality maternity care in rural areas, the importance of telehealth and collaborative networks, and the critical role of emergency care providers. This episode is part of the AIM series of podcasts that dive deeper into the rising severe maternal morbidity and maternal mortality rates in the United States through a data-driven, quality improvement lens.

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Keywords: Access to health care, Collaboration, Emergency medical services, Federal initiatives, History, Maternal health, Policy development , Rural health, State initiatives, Telemedicine

Annotation: In this podcast episode, host Christie Allen sits down with Dr. Andrea Greiner, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at the University of Iowa, to discuss the unique challenges of rural maternity care. Dr. Greiner shares her experiences working at a perinatal regional center, offering insight into how larger facilities can support rural hospitals and providers. Together, they explore the importance of individualized care, the complexities of coordinating care across diverse healthcare settings, and the logistical hurdles rural patients face. The episode is part of the AIM for Safer Birth series of podcasts that dive deeper into the rising severe maternal morbidity and maternal mortality rates in the United States through a data-driven, quality improvement lens.

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Keywords: Access to health care, Barriers, Coordination, History, Maternal health, Perinatal health, Regional factors, Regional medical centers, Rural health, Safety

Annotation: In this episode of the AIM for Safer Birth podcast series, host Christie Allen continues her conversation with Dr. Tina Pattara-Lau, Maternal and Child Health Consultant at the Indian Health Service (IHS) as they explore the ongoing transformation of maternal health care within rural communities. Dr. Pattara-Lau delves deeper into the impact of culturally responsive care, the integration of traditional practices, and the expansion of telehealth services. They further discuss the strides being made in overcoming access barriers, fostering community trust, and implementing innovative care models tailored to the unique needs of American Indian/Alaska Native populations. The AIM for Safer Birth series dives deeper into the rising severe maternal morbidity and maternal mortality rates in the United States through a data-driven, quality improvement lens.

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Keywords: Alaska natives, American Indians, Barriers, Community participation, Cultural sensitivity, Health care access, Initiatives, Model programs, Rural health

Annotation: Podcast host Christie Allen delves into the unique challenges and innovative solutions in rural and Indigenous maternal health care with Dr. Tina Pattara-Lau, Maternal and Child Health Consultant at the Indian Health Service (IHS). Dr. Pattara-Lau shares her experiences and insights on improving patient access to quality care through culturally safe practices, partnerships, and innovative models such as telehealth and community-based care. They discuss the systemic barriers, the importance of culturally safe practices, and the role of community partnerships in enhancing care for American Indian/Alaska Native populations, emphasizing the need for continuous quality improvement and sensitivity to cultural and traditional practices. This episode is part of the AIM series of podcasts that dive deeper into the rising severe maternal morbidity and maternal mortality rates in the United States through a data-driven, quality improvement lens.

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Keywords: Alaska natives, American Indians, Barriers, Community participation, Cultural sensitivity, Health care access, Initiatives, Model programs, Rural health

Annotation: Podcast host Christie Allen talks with Amy Romano, founder and CEO of Primary Maternity Care. Romano, a nurse midwife with an MBA, who shares her experience blending clinical expertise with system-level healthcare leadership to revolutionize maternity care in rural communities. They discuss the critical role of freestanding birth centers, their capacity to offer low-risk, community-based care, and how these centers could be a key part of the solution to the growing issue of maternity deserts. Romano also dives into the challenges of regulatory barriers, the importance of risk-appropriate care, and the unique quality improvement strategies needed for safe community births. From pandemic-driven innovations to rethinking the future of rural maternity care, this episode is packed with actionable insights for improving maternal health outcomes in underserved areas. It is part of the AIM for safer Birth podcast series that dive deeper into the rising severe maternal morbidity and maternal mortality rates in the United States through a data-driven, quality improvement lens.

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Keywords: Birthing centers, Childbirth, Maternal health, Quality assurance, Risk factors, Rural health, Safety, Underserved communities

Annotation: In this podcast episode, host Christie Allen talks with renowned maternal health expert Dr. Elliott Main. A pioneering figure in maternal mortality review and quality care initiatives, Dr. Main discusses the history and evolution of the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM). Together, they explore the challenges and triumphs of addressing severe maternal morbidity and mortality in the U.S., the early groundwork that led to AIM, and the collaborative efforts that turned ideas into actionable tools. Dr. Main also shares his thoughts on the future of maternal health and the "one thing" he believes is critical to driving change moving forward. This episode is part of the AIM for Safer Birth series of podcasts that dive deeper into the rising severe maternal morbidity and maternal mortality rates in the United States through a data-driven, quality improvement lens.

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Keywords: Collaboration, History, Initiatives, Maternal health, Maternal morbidity, Maternal mortality, Models, Resources for professionals

Annotation: In this podcast episode, host Christie Allen talks with Dr. Carey Eppes and her colleague, CheyAnne Harris to explore Texas's experience with implementing the Maternal Early Warning Signs (MEWS) in maternal health care. Dr. Eppes shares her background and journey into the world of maternal health, detailing the personal motivations that drive her passion for this work. She and CheyAnne delve into the reasons behind adopting MEWS, how it was implemented, and the challenges faced along the way. This episode highlights the key levers that facilitate successful implementation for healthcare providers looking to adopt MEWS in their own practice. The podcast is part of the AIM for Safer Birth series that dives deeper into the rising severe maternal morbidity and maternal mortality rates in the United States through a data-driven, quality improvement lens.

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Keywords: History, History, Maternal health, Prevention programs, State initiatives, Texas

Annotation: in this podcast episode, host Christie Allen talks with Audra Summers and Ashley Rainey about Indiana's innovative use of the AIM Patient Safety Bundles to drive sustainable change in maternal care. Audra and Ashley share their experiences implementing and maintaining quality improvements across Indiana's 75 delivery facilities. They discuss the importance of collaboration, the integration of safety measures into daily practices, and how sustainability is achieved through data-driven methods and cultural shifts. The episode is part of the AIM for Safer Birth series of podcasts that dive deeper into the rising severe maternal morbidity and maternal mortality rates in the United States through a data-driven, quality improvement lens.

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Keywords: Indiana, Maternal health, Perinatal care, Resources for professionals, Safety, State initiatives

Annotation: In this podcast episode, host Christie Allen explores the intersection of substance use and maternal health with innovators Dr. Nichole Nidey and Michelle Kavouras, focusing on the power of lived expertise to shape equitable, evidence-based care. Dr. Nidey, a maternal and child health epidemiologist and founder of the Empower Project, discusses how her work collaborates with individuals who use substances during pregnancy to inform meaningful research and interventions. Kavouras, a peer doula and harm reduction advocate, shares her journey from lived experience to leadership in substance use advocacy, highlighting the importance of compassionate, non-stigmatizing care. This conversation challenges misconceptions, unpacks the complexity of language in healthcare, and emphasizes the need to meet pregnant people where they are. The episode is part of the AIM for Safer Birth series of podcasts that dive deeper into the rising severe maternal morbidity and maternal mortality rates in the United States through a data-driven, quality improvement lens.

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Keywords: Cultural competence, Maternal health, Patient care management, Physician patient relations, Pregnancy, Prevention, Research, Substance abuse, Substance dependence

Annotation: In this season finale of AIM for Safer Birth 2024 podcast series, host Christie Allen is joined by Dr. Veronica Gillispie-Bell to reflect on key themes from the season, including rural maternity care, collaborative models, and the structural barriers impacting maternal health. They discuss the realities of hospital closures, the importance of integrating community birth centers, and the critical need for sustainability in quality improvement efforts. Dr. Gillispie-Bell shares insights on bridging gaps across disciplines, tackling systemic inequities, and how to keep patients' goals at the center of care. Plus, they dive into the transformative power of data and the lessons that can guide future improvements.

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Keywords: Barriers, Collaboration, Data, Health equity, Maternal health, Model programs, Rural health, Service integration

Annotation: In this podcast episode, host Christie Allen, Senior Director of Quality Improvement and Programs at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and Dr. Veronica Gillispie-Bell explore the complexities of sustaining momentum in maternal health quality. After reflecting on the previous podcast season, they discuss the concept of "health equity tourism" [pivoting into health equity research without having developed the scientific expertise for high-quality work] and the importance of true community integration. Dr. Gillispie-Bell shares her insights on embedding sustainable, equitable practices in healthcare beyond initial surges of interest. The episode is part of the AIM for Better Birth series of podcasts that dive deeper into the rising severe maternal morbidity and maternal mortality rates in the United States through a data-driven, quality improvement lens.

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Keywords: Community participation, Health equity, Research, Research methodology, maternal health

Annotation: During Black Maternal Health Week, podcast host Christie Allen welcomes two distinguished guests: Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, co-chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, and Carole Johnson, Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Together, they discuss the groundbreaking Enhancing Maternal Health Initiative, the Momnibus legislation, and the urgent need for comprehensive support for maternal health across the United States. This episode is part of the AIM for Better Birth series of podcasts that dive deeper into the rising severe maternal morbidity and maternal mortality rates in the United States through a data-driven, quality improvement lens.

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Keywords: Advocacy, Blacks, Health care disparities, Health equity, Legislation, Maternal health, Maternal mortality, Policy development

Annotation: In this podcast episode, host Christie Allen and Dr. Gillispie-Bell discuss how acknowledging the need for change and understanding the difficulty of the journey are the starting points for positive transformation. With a focus on practical steps, they address how healthcare providers can engage with systems and structures already in place to promote equity. From engaging with quality departments and hospital teams to fostering a culture of transparency, they outline actionable strategies for both providers and institutions to create a future where safe and equitable births are the norm. This episode is part of the AIM for Better Birth series of podcasts that dive deeper into the rising severe maternal morbidity and maternal mortality rates in the United States through a data-driven, quality improvement lens.

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Keywords: Childbirth, Health care reform, Health care systems, Health equity, Maternal health, Quality improvement

Annotation: In this podcast episode, host Christie Allen and Dr. Gillispie-Bell address the common myths surrounding equity and improving quality of care within the healthcare system. They discuss whether clinicians are inherently racist and the complex interplay between individual intentions, systemic biases, and how equity and quality are inherently intertwined. emphasizing that trust and relationship-building are pivotal for achieving positive patient outcomes. Dr. Gillispie-Bell and Christie also challenge the notion of blaming patients for non-compliance with care, and emphasize that the onus is on the healthcare system to provide accessible and patient-centered care. They also tackle the misconception that socioeconomic status alone can explain maternal health disparities, and highlight the importance of acknowledging and dismantling systemic biases. This episode is part of the AIM for Better Birth series of podcasts that dive deeper into the rising severe maternal morbidity and maternal mortality rates in the United States through a data-driven, quality improvement lens.

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Keywords: Health care systems, Health equity, Implicit bias, Maternal health, Physician patient relations, Racism

Annotation: In this podcast episode, host Christie Allen and Dr. Gillispie-Bell talk about the critical role that measurement and disaggregated data play in understanding and addressing disparities in maternal care. They discuss the challenges and importance of collecting accurate race and ethnicity data, revealing how it unveils stark disparities in outcomes and care, and explore the systemic biases ingrained in the medical field, such as the historical portrayal of race as a biological risk factor. They discuss how these biases impact care delivery, perpetuating unfounded myths about pain tolerance, skin thickness, and more. This episode is part of the AIM for Safer Birth series of podcasts that dive deeper into the rising severe maternal morbidity and maternal mortality rates in the United States through a data-driven, quality improvement lens.

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Keywords: Data, Data collection, Health care disparities, Health equity, Implicit bias, Maternal health, Racial factors, Racism, ethnic factors

Annotation: In this podcast episode, host Christie Allen and Dr. Gillispie-Bell delve into the difficulties of measuring equity and addressing barriers in maternal-child health data. They discuss the challenges of capturing accurate data in a fragmented healthcare system, the limitations of electronic medical records (EMRs) in measuring quality metrics, and the importance of contextualizing data within the broader landscape of social determinants of health. The two share insights from their experiences in quality improvement and offer a candid conversation about the need for continuous quality improvement, sustainability of positive changes, and the potential for data-driven innovation in addressing severe maternal morbidity and mortality rates in the United States. This episode is part of the AIM for Safer Birth series of podcasts that dive deeper into the rising severe maternal morbidity and maternal mortality rates in the United States through a data-driven, quality improvement lens.

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Keywords: Barriers, Data, Data analysis, Data collection, Health equity, Maternal and child health research, Quality improvement

Annotation: In this podcast episode, host Christie Allen and Dr. Gillispie-Bell discuss the integration of equity and quality when addressing severe maternal morbidity and maternal mortality rates in the United States with a data-driven approach. Learn how the healthcare landscape has transformed to encompass not just clinical excellence, but also inclusive care that honors each individual's unique experiences and values. Discover the journey from recognizing racial and ethnic disparities to crafting a comprehensive approach that combines respectful, equitable, and supportive care. This episode is part of the AIM for Safer Birth series of podcasts that dive deeper into the rising severe maternal morbidity and maternal mortality rates in the United States through a data-driven, quality improvement lens.

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Keywords: Cultural sensitivity, Data, Health care disparities, Health equity, Maternal morbidity, Maternal mortality, Quality improvement, statistics

Annotation: In this podcast episode, host Christie Allen and Dr. Gillispie-Bell discuss the concepts of health equity and quality improvement in maternal care. They break down the distinctions between equity and equality, explore the definitions and importance of diversity, inclusion, and respectful care, and discuss how continuous quality improvement leads to positive change. This episode is part of the AIM for Safer Birth series of podcasts that dive deeper into the rising severe maternal morbidity and maternal mortality rates in the United States through a data-driven, quality improvement lens.

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Keywords: Cultural diversity, Cultural sensitivity, Health equity, Maternal health, Quality improvement

Annotation: The bundle provides actionable steps that can be adapted to a variety of facilities and resource levels to improve quality of care and outcomes for patients with substance use conditions. It includes: Implementation tools and resources, a data collection plan (with outcome measures), a change package, and learning modules.

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Keywords: Guidelines, Postpartum care, Prenatal care, Substance use disorders, Therapeutics

Annotation: This patient safety bundle was revised in 2023 to incorporate respectful care concepts, revise existing elements, include new elements related to evidence-informed practices, and update data collection plans. The bundle provides actionable steps to support labor and care processes that can be adapted to a variety of facilities and resource levels to improve quality of care and safely reduce cesarean births. Implementation details and resources, a data collection plan, an evidence-informed "change package," and learning modules are included on the website. Some materials are available in English, Spanish, and French.

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• Printable Patient Safety Bundle

Keywords: Cesarean section, Childbirth, Data collection, Measures, Obstetrical care, Prevention, Protocols, Quality improvement, Resources for professionals, Safety, Vaginal birth