UAMS Develops Midwifery Program to Combat Arkansas’ High Maternal Mortality Rate
In Arkansas, the maternal mortality rate stands at an alarming 43.5 deaths per 100,000 births, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This stark number puts the state at the highest maternal mortality rate in the country. To combat this issue, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) leaders have set their sights on launching a certified nurse midwifery program by 2026.
UAMS has been actively working to improve maternal healthcare by addressing both provider-side and patient-side needs. One significant step towards this is the newly launched website for the Arkansas Perinatal Quality Collaborative (ARPQC), which aims to strengthen the quality of maternal care and improve patient outcomes. Through this platform, patients will gain access to detailed information about maternity care services and quality programs at each birthing hospital across the state.
The addition of a midwifery program at UAMS is expected to increase the number of healthcare professionals equipped to provide specialized care during pregnancy and childbirth. This program can ultimately help reduce maternal mortality by providing more comprehensive and individualized care to expecting mothers. South Arkansas-based hospitals like Jefferson Regional Medical Center and St. Bernard’s Medical Center already boast specialized birthing centers that provide advanced care, highlighting the increasing focus on maternal healthcare across the state.
For healthcare providers themselves, the ARPQC has facilitated crucial trainings aimed at lowering cesarean delivery rates and equipping them with the tools necessary to navigate complex maternal health issues. These initiatives also foster information sharing and collaboration among various birthing hospitals to develop and spread best practices in maternity care.
The efforts by UAMS, ARPQC, and other healthcare organizations in Arkansas are crucial steps towards reducing maternal morbidity and mortality. While the journey ahead will likely be complex, the future of maternal care in Arkansas looks promising.
