Six accessible solutions to Black maternal mortality disparities for physicians

2. Explore institutions that are stepping in to offer support

Some of medicine’s oldest organizations are working to increase awareness through innovative partnerships and initiatives. For example, The American Hospital Association and Epic are collaborating to reduce factors that impact maternal mortality. Initiatives like these provide physicians the opportunity to expand their understanding of complex issues and gain insights that contribute to professional success in addressing solutions to Black maternal mortality.

3. Look at Black maternal health as a population health emergency

Stories like those of Krystal Lakeshia Anderson, who died from sepsis shortly after the stillbirth of her daughter, highlight the urgent need for improved care for Black birthing patients. Physicians and other clinicians who invest time in understanding Black maternal health from a public and population health perspective will be better prepared to improve outcomes for their own patients.

“Racism as a social construct has been identified as a persistent population health emergency and a fundamental cause of disease both in the United States and globally.” This quote is from a 2023 study on the pregnancy outcomes of Black women in the U.S. It explores the community, organizational, societal, interpersonal, and individual factors that contribute to the poor maternal health results that Black women experience.

4. Focus on communication as a key area of opportunity for providers

Physician communication is foundational to the outcomes of Black pregnancy patients. A 2022 study found that mother-provider communication was “the most salient factor affecting the maternal experience.” The primary influences behind this factor were maternal health literacy and discriminatory attitudes and behaviors of providers in perinatal care.

With training and tools, physicians can improve their communication skills and bridge the gap in maternal health literacy. Also, by offering patient engagement materials and programs that provide content tailored to individual and cultural needs, clinicians can better reach their patients and encourage shared decision-making.

5. Uncover regional opportunities

While Black maternal health is a worldwide concern, physicians and other clinicians should leverage local and state resources and partnerships to support their patients.

California’s Abundant Birth Project works to address racial disparities in birth outcomes through efforts like providing cash supplements to Black (as well as Pacific Islander) mothers. It provides $1,000 per month to pregnant and postpartum people who live in San Francisco. In Pennsylvania, the bipartisan Black Maternal Health Caucus focuses on financial investment, legislation, and policies to address the state’s challenges in Black maternal health.

6. View Black maternal health as an international issue

Healthcare providers might also benefit from understanding Black maternal health from an international perspective. In the United Kingdom, Black women are three times more likely to die compared to their white counterparts.

Physicians who provide personalized and inclusive care can create a professional standard that transcends the location of the patient and community.

Technology can help close the gap

The explosion of technological innovation provides exciting opportunities to improve patient care and reduce harm. Addressing disparities in Black maternal health requires evaluating new technologies through a lens of equitable care.

An integrated content system that is tailored to the needs of individual Black maternity patients will be crucial in navigating complex care challenges. Enlisting patients as members of the care team when developing these systems is one opportunity to improve the technology and drive better health outcomes. Individuals who have experienced inequity and poor communication in the healthcare setting have valuable insights into where the prior systems failed and where new technologies can fill gaps.

Look for patient education solutions that consider social determinants of health materials that best address diverse populations in providing effective maternity services.

Learn more about UpToDate Patient Engagement for Black Maternal Health