AIM for Safer Birth

Christie's talking 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. Tune in to learn how Indiana's approach to quality improvement can inspire and inform efforts nationwide.

This show is brought to you by the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM). Join us in the journey toward safer, more equitable maternal care and learn more about AIM at saferbirth.org.

This podcast is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration, HRSA, of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, as part of an initiative to improve maternal health outcomes.

In this episode, we talk 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 and reveals the one thing for healthcare providers looking to adopt MEWS in their own practice.

This show is brought to you by the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM). Join us in the journey toward safer, more equitable maternal care and learn more about AIM at saferbirth.org.

This podcast is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration, HRSA, of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, as part of an initiative to improve maternal health outcomes.

In this episode, Christie 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, such as life-saving AIM bundles. 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 show is brought to you by the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM). Join us in the journey toward safer, more equitable maternal care and learn more about AIM at saferbirth.org.

This podcast is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration, HRSA, of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, as part of an initiative to improve maternal health outcomes.

Christie is talking with Amy Romano, founder and CEO of Primary Maternity Care. Amy, a nurse midwife with an MBA, 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. Amy 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.

This show is brought to you by the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM). Join us in the journey toward safer, more equitable maternal care and learn more about AIM at saferbirth.org.

This podcast is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration, HRSA, of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, as part of an initiative to improve maternal health outcomes.

In this episode, Christie 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. Tune in for a discussion on improving access and quality of maternity care in rural America.

This show is brought to you by the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM). Join us in the journey toward safer, more equitable maternal care and learn more about AIM at saferbirth.org.

This podcast is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration, HRSA, of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, as part of an initiative to improve maternal health outcomes.

In part two of our conversation with Dr. Tina Pattara-Lau, Maternal and Child Health Consultant at the Indian Health Service (IHS), Christie continues to 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.

This show is brought to you by the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM). Join us in the journey toward safer, more equitable maternal care and learn more about AIM at saferbirth.org.

This podcast is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration, HRSA, of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, as part of an initiative to improve maternal health outcomes.

Christie is delving 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 show is brought to you by the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM). Join us in the journey toward safer, more equitable maternal care and learn more about AIM at saferbirth.org.

This podcast is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration, HRSA, of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, as part of an initiative to improve maternal health outcomes.

Christie 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 rural healthcare, public health, 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.

Check out the Maternal Mental Health Hotline here. 

This show is brought to you by the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM). Join us in the journey toward safer, more equitable maternal care and learn more about AIM at saferbirth.org.

This podcast is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration, HRSA, of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, as part of an initiative to improve maternal health outcomes.

Christie Allen, Senior Director of Quality Improvement and Programs at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and Dr. Veronica Gillispie-Bell are back to explore the complexities of sustaining momentum in maternal health quality. After reflecting on last season, they discuss the concept of "health equity tourism" 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. 

This show is brought to you by the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM). Join us in the journey toward safer, more equitable maternal care and learn more about AIM at saferbirth.org.

This podcast is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration, HRSA, of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, as part of an initiative to improve maternal health outcomes.

In the upcoming season, maternal health champions discuss quality improvement, sustainability, patient engagement, and more. Following the Season 2 kick-off episode, listen along to "You Can't Get There From Here," a four-part rural perinatal care miniseries – where our host Christie Allen and a variety of guests highlight the unique considerations and innovative solutions in providing quality maternity care in rural areas. Each week this season, guests will share “The One Thing” that they would like the audience to take away from each episode.

Stay tuned for AIM for Safer Birth Season 2 coming July 15!