University of Texas Health Outcomes Division’s Post

Birthing centers offer expanded access to pregnant people in areas where there are few options for care. More birthing centers means better health care for more people, plain and simple. However, these centers can be an even more important resource to Black birthing people, spaces where they can receive autonomous and affordable care from Black midwives and physicians. However, in many southeastern states, birthing centers are still facing extreme barriers to licensure despite established evidence of positive outcomes including low preterm delivery rates, higher birth weights, low cesarean section rates, and increased breastfeeding rates, when compared with traditional care. Now, these birthing centers are fighting back. https://lnkd.in/gf9-Qbkt

With funding support from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), AcademyHealth’s Evidence Informed State Health Policy Institute and the University of Pittsburgh are bringing together six Medicaid programs, their public university research partners, eight doula organizations, and Medicaid enrollees to leverage an innovative distributed research network to advance racial equity in severe maternal morbidity. Through this project, researchers hope to identify the most effective ways that state Medicaid programs can implement doula care to improve postpartum health among Black people and people of color. Learn more about Project DREAM (Doula Research for Equitable Advances in Medicaid Pregnancy Health) here: https://lnkd.in/dRTUd85A

#TeamCHS recently participated in the Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR) Education Workshop, it was a vital step in the Safer Baby Bundle Project. This initiative by @StillbirthCRE, aiming to reduce third-trimester stillbirth by 20% within the ACT, relies on collaboration and knowledge-sharing among our dedicated health care professionals. Midwives and obstetric staff from Canberra Hospital and North Canberra Hospital participated in the workshop, we spoke with Katherine a project officer for the workshop. ‘The Safer Baby Bundle Project is a national initiative addressing the critical gaps in fetal care. Our workshop is an essential part of this endeavour, aiming to standardise practices and improve outcomes for singleton pregnancies affected by FGR.’ ‘The focus on modifiable risk factors such as smoking cessation, sleeping positions during pregnancy, and awareness of decreased fetal movements underscores our commitment to proactive care and prevention.’ ‘While challenges persist, particularly in data accessibility, our dedication remains. Our recent workshop evaluation reflected high levels of relevance and commitment to practice change among clinicians.’ Following the conclusion of the workshop, attendees indicated their confidence had increased in all the areas of FGR management and detection. Stay tuned for more updates on our journey towards safer pregnancies and happier families! For more information visit: https://bit.ly/4dC7iEd #SaferBabyBundle #FetalHealth #HealthcareHeroes #CanberraHealthServices

From 6 to 12 November, ConcePTION will take part in the global Uppsala Monitoring Centre #MedSafetyWeek campaign, a collaboration involving more than 80 medicines regulatory agencies and several non-governmental organisations, to raise awareness about the importance of reporting the side effects of medicines. And for pregnant women to report every time they are exposed to a medicine, to help close the knowledge gap in medicine safety for pregnancy and lactation. With the theme ‘Who can report?’, this year’s campaign will focus on the key role of every patient, woman, doctor, nurse, and pharmacist who reports a side effect or exposure and contributes to safe medicine use. https://lnkd.in/dVz6pAGr Find out how to report: https://lnkd.in/d9KeN6NB The ConcePTION communications toolkit to stimulate reporting: https://lnkd.in/dcnrRAkT

Learn more about a new project on policies, programs, and investments to better understand the landscape of breastfeeding promotion, initiation, and support across the United States. A committee of experts has been named to provide an evidence-based analysis of the macroeconomic, social, and health costs and benefits of the United States' current breastfeeding rates and goals. The study will build on what is known about inequalities in breastfeeding rates and reducing racial, geographic, and income-related breastfeeding disparities. View more about this study and related events: https://ow.ly/fPEo50QHZME U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH) #womenshealth #nursing #breastfeedingawareness

Today is #MaternalHealthAwarenessDay. The maternal access crisis in the United States is nothing short of catastrophic. We can all play a role in helping to reverse course and improve outcomes. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ds9_Ud4D The Missouri Perinatal Quality Collaborative, led by MHA, encourages hospitals and providers to join their efforts to implement AIM maternal patient safety bundles to reduce severe maternal morbidity and mortality as identified by the Missouri Pregnancy Associated Mortality Review Board: https://lnkd.in/g3hDNS5F

New Advice for Men taking Valproate: Are you or a loved one currently taking Valproate and planning to expand your family soon? New government guidance advises you should talk to your healthcare provider about your treatment. 🤰👨👦 Following new research, the Medicines and Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has updated their guidance this week. A recent study found that children of fathers who were on valproate, an anti-seizure medication, around the time of conception, show a higher chance (5%) of developing neurodevelopmental disorders compared to children whose fathers were on other seizure medications like lamotrigine or levetiracetam (3%). 👨⚕️🧬If you're planning to start a family and have questions about the impact of anti-seizure medications, talk to your healthcare provider for personalised advice and safer alternatives. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eET622iy #Healthcare #AntiSeizureMedication #FamilyPlanning #Neurodevelopment #ChildrensHealth #ResearchNews #SafePregnancy #EpilepsyTreatment

So preventable.... why are we not better at this by now.

Annually, over 700 women tragically lose their lives in the U.S. due to complications related to pregnancy, extending up to a year postpartum. In Texas alone, an alarming 80% of these fatalities are deemed preventable. Such statistics are a stark indictment of our healthcare system. Despite being one of the wealthiest nations globally, with healthcare expenditure per capita far surpassing that of any other country, the U.S. ranks 55th worldwide in maternal mortality rates. This places us behind several developing nations, which is a fact that highlights significant inefficiencies and disparities in our healthcare system. At Van Wey, Metzler & Williams, our commitment goes beyond legal representation. We strive to enhance patient care quality by holding healthcare providers accountable through thorough investigations, litigation, and continuous advocacy efforts. Our dedication shines, especially during National Patient Safety Week, as we aim to elevate awareness and drive meaningful change. #vanweylaw #vanweymetzlerandwilliams #nationalpatientsafetyweek #maternalhealth #patientcare #patientsafetyweek #healthcareaccountability #pregnancysafety #postpartumcare #preventabledeaths #healthcaresystem #maternalmortality #qualityofcare #legaladvocacy #healthcareinequality #patientrights #nationalpatientsafetyweek #healthcarejustice #investigation #litigation #awareness #change #ushealthcare #healthcaredisparities

Surgical smoke – also known as diathermy plume – has been proved to cause direct harm in medical staff, leading to serious health problems. Scientist are now able to identify it can cause indirect harm to female medical staff, being linked to pregnancy complications and infertility. A survey of 1,021 female surgeons in the United States found higher rates of pregnancy complications and infertility compared to the general population, with surgical smoke considered to be a contributing factor.* The Surgical Smoke Coalitions mission is to raise awareness for this under recognised problem and establish sufficient evacuation systems globally.  Read more here: https://bit.ly/3Quc5gg Join our mission to enforce change. #SurgicalSmoke #PolicyChange #HealthcareAdvocacy #SurgicalSafety #LegislativeChange #WomensHealth #WomensOccupationHealth  *https://lnkd.in/eFHCQRE