First year achievements included engaging 21 of Maine’s 24 birthing hospitals in the AIM Severe Hypertension in Pregnancy Bundle. Untreated severe hypertension is one of the key contributors to maternal morbidity and mortality.

Hospital teams chose “85% of patients with acute onset severe hypertension who received antihypertensive medication within one hour” as their SMART goal and sustaining this outcome for two consecutive quarters as the overall goal. Teams submit data quarterly and participate in periodic Learning Sessions to share best practices and experiences.

PQC4ME’s new community partners include In Her Presence, Maine Primary Care Association and Greater Portland Health, one of Maine’s 20 Community Health Centers, and Public Health Nursing, part of the Maine Centers for Disease Prevention and Control . These organizations conducted focus groups and interviews with patients and clients to obtain feedback on hypertension patient education materials used by birthing hospitals. Language, cultural sensitivity, and literacy were assessed with results used to improve educational materials as well as how education is integrated into prenatal and postpartum care.

PQC4ME’s organizational capacity increased significantly as the result of US CDC funding, and included adding project management staff with training in public health, quality improvement and business administration as well as clinical expertise in labor and delivery nursing and midwifery. Part time consultants in obstetrics and gynecology, neonatology, pediatrics, perinatal nursing, evaluation and public health round out the Center for Quality Improvement’s Maternal and Child Health team.