Indiana Hospital Association's Initiative to Combat Maternal Mortality with Blood Pressure Kits

The Indiana Hospital Association (IHA) has embarked on an important collaboration with the Preeclampsia Foundation to tackle a major health crisis affecting pregnant and postpartum women in Indiana. Hypertensive disorders, particularly preeclampsia, are identified as a leading cause of maternal mortality in the state. To combat this alarming statistic, the IHA is distributing 9,000 Cuff Kits® to various healthcare facilities throughout Indiana, aiming to empower women to monitor their blood pressure during and after pregnancy.

The Cuff Kit Initiative

This innovative initiative involves the distribution of Cuff Kits® to 169 birthing hospitals, Nurse Family Partnership, and local health departments. Each Cuff Kit® includes a validated home blood pressure cuff designed specifically for expectant and new mothers, alongside educational materials. These resources help patients understand how to take their blood pressure accurately and ensure they are aware of the significance of monitoring these vital numbers.

Eleni Tsigas, CEO of the Preeclampsia Foundation, highlights the critical nature of this program, stating, "Complications from hypertensive disorders of pregnancy often go unnoticed because the symptoms mimic normal pregnancy symptoms." The Cuff Kit program establishes a partnership between patients and their healthcare providers, fostering communication and proactive healthcare practices.

Flexibility and Integration in Healthcare

The Cuff Kit program is unique in its integration capabilities, offering flexibility in clinical settings, including those equipped with telehealth services and those without. The addition of a mobile app enhances patient engagement and allows providers to share deidentified data, contributing to further research into self-management in maternal healthcare.

Brittany Waggoner, Maternal Infant Quality Improvement Advisor for the Indiana Hospital Association, emphasizes the importance of this initiative: "Improving the health of Hoosier moms and their babies is one of our top safety initiatives in the state of Indiana." She notes that the program is supported by funds from the Indiana Department of Health, ensuring that the kits are provided at no cost to healthcare providers and patients.

Focus on Health Disparities

This partnership specifically aims to reach communities of color who experience disproportionate health disparities and are at heightened risk for complications such as preeclampsia. By facilitating the use of blood pressure cuffs between prenatal visits and during the postpartum period, healthcare providers can more effectively identify and address potential health issues, potentially lowering the instances of preventable adverse birth outcomes for both mothers and their babies.

Conclusion

As maternal health becomes an increasing priority within public health initiatives, the collaboration between the Indiana Hospital Association and the Preeclampsia Foundation serves as a model for innovative solutions in addressing maternal mortality. By equipping women with tools for self-monitoring, this initiative not only enhances the quality of care but also fosters a collaborative environment conducive to better health outcomes. For more information regarding the Cuff Kit program, interested parties can visit preeclampsia.org/the-cuff-project.