Using Database Innovation to Improving Maternal Health Outcomes by improving Communication between Doulas and Perinatal Support Workers
Abstract
Background
The Atlanta Healthy Start Initiative (AHSI) is a maternal and child health home visitation program by the Center for Black Women’s Wellness (CBWW) aimed at reducing negative health outcomes among Black women and babies. The multidisciplinary care team includes a Care Management Coordinator, Family Support Specialists (FSSs), an Outreach Team, a Fatherhood Coordinator, a Nurse Case Manager/Midwife, and a Mental Health Provider. In February 2023, CBWW expanded AHSI to include doula services, further enhancing support for pregnant and parenting mothers.
Methods
To integrate doulas into the care team, they received training on CBWW policies and the Apricot data system by Social Solutions, which enables efficient, bidirectional communication across the care team. For example, the system was customized to automatically notify Doulas and FSSs of client assignments, allow Doulas to communicate client needs to FSSs and to notify the nurse case manager of client health status. Surveys and focus groups with Doulas, FSSs, and clients were conducted to assess the program’s effectiveness and its impact on maternal and child health outcomes.
Results
Clients praised the collaboration between their FSS and Doula and FSSs stated that Doulas were an essential addition to the team. The constant communication among care team members contributed to positive maternal health outcomes, including lower rates of low and very low birth weight, premature births, and cesarean sections. Clients reported increased confidence in communicating with their providers and greater adherence to postpartum visits.
Conclusion
The addition of doula services has enhanced AHSI’s ability to serve mothers through seamless care coordination, resulting in improved birth outcomes and postpartum care. Utilizing the EHR has proved to be a vital component for the care team. CBWW remains committed to integrating innovative programs and fostering collaboration to better support maternal and child health in the community.
Keywords
Doulas, EHR, Collaboration, Maternal and Child Health
Conflict of Interest Form
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Using Database Innovation to Improving Maternal Health Outcomes by improving Communication between Doulas and Perinatal Support Workers
Background
The Atlanta Healthy Start Initiative (AHSI) is a maternal and child health home visitation program by the Center for Black Women’s Wellness (CBWW) aimed at reducing negative health outcomes among Black women and babies. The multidisciplinary care team includes a Care Management Coordinator, Family Support Specialists (FSSs), an Outreach Team, a Fatherhood Coordinator, a Nurse Case Manager/Midwife, and a Mental Health Provider. In February 2023, CBWW expanded AHSI to include doula services, further enhancing support for pregnant and parenting mothers.
Methods
To integrate doulas into the care team, they received training on CBWW policies and the Apricot data system by Social Solutions, which enables efficient, bidirectional communication across the care team. For example, the system was customized to automatically notify Doulas and FSSs of client assignments, allow Doulas to communicate client needs to FSSs and to notify the nurse case manager of client health status. Surveys and focus groups with Doulas, FSSs, and clients were conducted to assess the program’s effectiveness and its impact on maternal and child health outcomes.
Results
Clients praised the collaboration between their FSS and Doula and FSSs stated that Doulas were an essential addition to the team. The constant communication among care team members contributed to positive maternal health outcomes, including lower rates of low and very low birth weight, premature births, and cesarean sections. Clients reported increased confidence in communicating with their providers and greater adherence to postpartum visits.
Conclusion
The addition of doula services has enhanced AHSI’s ability to serve mothers through seamless care coordination, resulting in improved birth outcomes and postpartum care. Utilizing the EHR has proved to be a vital component for the care team. CBWW remains committed to integrating innovative programs and fostering collaboration to better support maternal and child health in the community.
