Operationalizing Implementation Coaching in a Maternal Health Setting: Lessons From the Field

The US is the only high-income country with increasing maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity rates. The Maternal Health Learning & Innovation Center (MHLIC), funded in 2019 by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), builds the capacity of State Maternal Health Innovation (MHI) teams to address this crisis.

Describe the MHLIC coaching model and its role in supporting State MHI teams to strengthen capacity and implement maternal health initiatives.

A mixed-methods study was conducted as part of a broader evaluation of the MHLIC to explore how coaching facilitated state-level capacity building, strategy development, and implementation of maternal health initiatives.

Quantitative data came from coaching logs completed in REDCap; qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with staff from the cohort 1 states (funded 2019-2024).

Implementation coaches documented interactions from a total of 35 State MHI teams; interviews were conducted with one or more staff from all cohort 1 states.

Implementation coaching is a structured approach to support innovation adoption and address barriers to evidence-informed maternal health practices.

Coaching logs identified functions performed; interviews captured the most common outputs from coaching engagement.

From 2019 to 2024, MHLIC conducted 1178 coaching interactions with 35 state teams. The common coaching functions involved building collaborative relationships with team members, brokering MHLIC resources, and facilitating external connections and resources. Capacity building focused on effective engagement, systems leadership, and health equity. Key outputs identified were strategic planning and maternal health taskforce development, fostering innovation through collaboration, and building data capacity for evidence-based decisions.

The MHLIC coaching model demonstrates a promising strategy for advancing maternal health by equipping state teams with capacity, leadership, and resources. Findings highlight the role of implementation coaching in accelerating improvements and contributing to the broader effort to ensure equitable and high-quality maternal care.