Maternal Morbidity and Mortality: Identifying Opportunities to Improve Clinical Outcomes

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal Health
• Nursing Science

Background:

• Maternal morbidity and mortality rates in the US are increasing, demanding attention.
• Understanding causes of maternal death is crucial for prevention strategies.
• Patient safety initiatives and maternal death reviews are being enhanced nationally.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role of obstetric nurses in preventing severe maternal morbidity and mortality.
• To apply Stephen Covey's Circle of Influence model to nursing practice in maternal care.
• To identify how nurses can proactively influence maternal outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis using Stephen Covey's Circle of Influence model.
• Focus on the obstetric nurse's unique position in maternal care.
• Emphasis on anticipation, recognition, and communication of warning signs.

Main Results:

• Obstetric nurses can directly impact maternal outcomes through professional practice.
• Nurses can indirectly influence outcomes via professional interactions.
• Expanding nurses' education, knowledge, and skills increases their capacity to influence.

Conclusions:

• Nurses play a pivotal role in improving maternal health outcomes.
• Proactive nursing interventions, informed by early warning sign recognition, are key to preventing maternal deaths.
• Continuous professional development enhances nurses' ability to influence and improve maternal care.