Services' Healthy People 2010 objectives called upon health care providers to take the steps to reduce maternal mortality to 3.3 deaths per 100,000 live births by the end of that decade. Looking at the most current data, the actual maternal death rate in 2010 was 14.5. on decreasing the number of maternal complications and deaths. of maternal deaths and 30 percent to 40 percent of "near miss"/severe complications are preventable through changes in provider, patient, and systems factors. These statistics reinforce the need for proactive initiatives in order to improve maternal health outcomes in this country. Maternal Safety that was created in 2013. The goal of the Partnership is for every birthing facility in the United States to have the three designated core Patient Safety Bundles (Preeclampsia; Hemorrhage; and Venous Thromboembolus Prevention) implemented within their facility within three years. The collaborative approach seeks to help women, families and clinicians as it moves forward. Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Robert Wood John- son University Hospital. The importance of this area of health care, es- pecially the need for continued educational outreach, had become even more obvious after a member of the medical school's extended family died due to childbirth complications after delivering in a community hospital close to her home. In the wake of this tragedy, a family foundation established in honor of this young woman--The Tara Hansen Foundation-- was formed and became an important catalyst for this interprofes- sional continuing education conference on maternal health and safety. Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, and with program funding from The Tara Hansen Foundation, the conference--To Have and To Hold: Maternal Safety and the Delivery of Safe Patient Care-- marked a commitment to enhance the education of clinicians, nurses, and all members of obstetrical health care teams in ways that emphasize maternal safety and promote prevention of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Perinatal health care providers and students from across the state, as well as nationally, were invited to attend this one-day program. medical students, nursing students, and other health care profes- sionals involved in the care of women to discuss maternal health and safety. The importance of teamwork and team training, avoiding assumptions in care, listening to patients' concerns, and empowering patients to take an active part in their care, expanding their role as part of the care team, were discussed throughout the day. The concept is simple: " ways health care individuals, teams, and organizations can and are making a difference. importance of our making it a priority to address situations that may lead to an adverse outcome that may be preventable. All of us together have an opportunity not only to increase education and to enhance awareness, but also, and more importantly, to effect and encourage positive change in every perinatal health care setting. Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Chief Nursing Officer Children's Specialized Hospital |