Thursday, December 12, 2024
12/12/2024
Abstract The purpose of this project is to support increases in the overall timeliness, comprehensiveness, and availability of information on strategies for prevention of pregnancy-related deaths and reduction of disparities in pregnancy-related mortality in Kansas. Funding will support the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) to identify, characterize, and disseminate information on pregnancy-related deaths and opportunities for prevention. Clinical and non-clinical data abstracted and entered into the Maternal Mortality Review Information Application (MMRIA) related to the deaths of women while pregnant, at delivery, and up to one year after delivery are reviewed and discussed with the Kansas Maternal Mortality Review Committee (KMMRC) on at least a quarterly basis to understand the circumstances surrounding each death, form recommendations to prevent deaths, and implement initiatives to improve outcomes. Leadership monitors trends and facilitates implementation of data-driven recommendations in partnership with the Kansas Perinatal Quality Collaborative. The death of a woman during pregnancy, at delivery, or in the year after the end of pregnancy is a tragedy for her family and for society. In 2018-2022 (combined), the Kansas maternal mortality rate of 22.8 was 45.2% higher than the Healthy People 2030 goal of 15.7 maternal deaths per 100,0000 live births (follows the World Health Organization definition). In Kansas, in 2018-2021 (combined), there are significant racial disparities with non-Hispanic Black women dying at more than 5.9 times the rate of non-Hispanic White women (102.4 versus 17.4). The KMMRCs review of pregnancy-related deaths occurring from 2016 to 2022 (preliminary) determined that two-thirds of pregnancy-related deaths (72.9%) occurred between the time immediately after birth and the end of the first year. Furthermore, pregnancy-related deaths were more likely to be experienced by people from racial and ethnic minority groups, those on Medicaid during pregnancy or at delivery, and women with a high school education or less. Established and convened in June 2018, the KMMRC has completed review of all 2016-2022 cases and has begun review of 2023 cases. Vital records data is automatically uploaded to MMRIA through the State and Territorial Exchange of Vital Events (STEVE)/National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems (NAPHSIS) Application Programming Interface (API) integration, and use of MMRIA is fully integrated into the Committee process. Leadership and support of the KMMRC is provided by the KDHE, Bureau of Family Health, Title V Director and staff. Committee makeup reflects a diverse, multi-disciplinary group of subject matter experts. Every member is dedicated and engaged, partnerships and collaborations are strong, and Kansas is positioned to successfully implement the goals and objectives of this project. The following short- and intermediate- term outcomes will serve as the foundation of our work: • Increased timeliness, accuracy, and standardization of information available about pregnancy-related deaths, including MMRC identified opportunities for prevention. (Short term) • Increased engagement and cooperation between MMRCs, partners, and communities to communicate information from data on pregnancy-related deaths. (Short term) • Increased availability of MMRC recommendations among communities, clinicians, public health practitioners, and decision makers. (Short term) • Increased adoption of clinical and non-clinical policies and programs that reflect the highest standards of care. (Intermediate term) • Increased implementation of recommendations that reach or consider the needs of populations disproportionately affected by pregnancy-related mortality. (Intermediate term)
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
