In the news, proven therapies for better maternity outcomes see low prescription rate, raising the need for improved monitoring and adherence to guidelines. CMS introduces a controversial proposal for hospitals to improve OB care or risk of losing federal funding, and Epic Systems participates in a new federal initiative that may change the way that patients access their data. Plus, new research examines the connection between hypertension and CDV, and the Harris Poll releases its Second Annual State of Maternal Health report.
8/01, Contemporary OBGYN: Low-dose aspirin prescription rate low among high-risk preeclampsia patients
Low dose aspirin therapy is a proven prophylactic for pregnant women at risk for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and is linked to a 10% to 20% reduction in preeclampsia risk. However, data shows that only 11% of patients at high risk for preeclampsia are prescribed low-dose aspirin. Underreporting and lack of adherence to guidelines could be the root cause.
8/01, CNBC: Your health records are coming to new apps. Here’s why
Epic Systems announced that individuals will be able to release their health data to apps of their choice, giving them more direct control over their medical information. Epic has been deeply involved with helping the federal government establish TEFCA, which is designed to address healthcare data siloes and outlines the legal and technical requirements for sharing patients’ data at scale.
7/31, Medscape: CMS Proposes Maternal-Health Condition-of-Participation Standards
With a controversial proposal tucked into the draft 2025 rule on Medicare payments for outpatient hospital services, CMS intends to require US hospitals to improve obstetrical services along proposed metrics, with a plan that could result in a potential loss of Medicare and Medicaid funds for institutions that fail to comply with the demands.
7/29, CBC: Rates of pre-eclampsia, hypertension in pregnancy up 40% over 10 years, study says
The rate of high blood pressure disorders in pregnancy has risen over the last decade in Canada, a new study suggests.The research, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, found that rates of hypertension and pre-eclampsia increased by 40 per cent between 2012 and 2021.
NEW RESEARCH & RESOURCES
7/18, Obstetrics & Gynecology: Elevated Blood Pressure in Pregnancy and Long-Term Cardiometabolic Health Outcomes
Examines the connection between elevated blood pressure in the third trimester of pregnancy and long term cardiovascular health (10-14 years post delivery).
May, The Harris Poll: Second Annual State of Maternal Health Report
The Harris Poll conducted its second annual State of Maternal Health study in an effort to gain insights on experiences and opinions as it relates to prenatal care, labor and delivery care, as well as postpartum care. Additionally, the study aimed to understand areas of needed improvement for maternal health as well as how to make the pregnancy and birth experience better. The main themes explored in the research include the safety of giving birth in the U.S., access to care, maternity leave, patient education and satisfaction with care, and the fourth trimester.
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