Date of Conferral

11-5-2024

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Melissa Rouse

Abstract

Reducing maternal mortality rates is one of the leading health indicators in the nation. Pregnant and postpartum Black mothers make up a disproportionate number of maternal deaths. Many result from failure to rescue (FTR), defined as the inability to prevent a death from a disease, illness, or complication. Over 700 women die daily from preventable causes related to pregnancy. Black patients are attributable to almost 40% of maternity mortality rates and represent over 50% of pregnancy-related deaths due to complications. Black women are more likely to die during pregnancy or after pregnancy, with heart disease causing almost half of pregnancy-related deaths. Understanding the outcomes that underlie FTR obstetric patients can promote positive patient outcomes in this population, specifically deaths associated with cardiovascular disorders in pregnancy, such as cardiomyopathy, hypertensive disorders, and thrombotic events. This staff education project was conducted to answer the practice-focused question and determine if staff education increases the knowledge and preparedness of emergency department and labor and delivery nurses and providers in caring for cardiovascular complications that result in increased morbidity and mortality among Black and Brown maternity patients. Seven participants completed a pre- and posttest before and after the staff education. The mean of the pretest was 57.5%, and the mean of the posttest was 70%. All the participants indicated they were better prepared after attending the staff education. This project promotes positive social change by improving patient care, explicitly contributing to improving health outcomes affecting maternal morbidity rates and the disparity among Black and Brown mothers affecting the United States.

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