IMPACT P³ Project

IMPACT P³: Implementation of a Perinatal CV Algorithm to Improve Maternal and Infant Health During Pregnancy, Peripartum, & Postpartum

University of Pennsylvania

Black mothers are much more likely to die due to pregnancy than non-Hispanic white mothers. Cardiovascular (CV) related deaths are the largest contributor to peripartum mortality, specifically delayed response, ineffective care, and misdiagnosis. A guideline to help identify heart conditions in pregnant mothers was developed and if used correctly, it can identify most CV-related deaths before they occur, however, when applied in the hospital it didn’t work. This was likely due to people not knowing why doctors didn’t use the test or why patients may not be able to get the recommended blood test or other doctor-recommended follow-up care. The goal of the study is to identify the easiest way for doctors to integrate the existing guidelines into the health system workflow and figure out how to best ensure patients identified as at-risk receive the appropriate testing and follow-up care.