Study shows methods to reduce maternal mortality disparities

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center reduced disparities for patients with severe peripartum hypertension through provider education, using standardized treatment guidelines and reporting monthly results, a study found. The study, published in The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety, found Black, Asian and Hispanic women were more likely to experience severe hypertension requiring treatment than white women, but there was no difference in the rates of timely treatment between groups. The authors state other hospitals could use the Los Angeles-based hospital’s approach to reduce maternal mortality. Separately, the National Institutes of Health released a funding opportunity notice to advance the goals of its Improving Maternal Health and Pregnancy Outcomes Vision for Everyone (IMPROVE) Initiative. (Joint Commission news release, 11/29/22)