Quality Improvement Programs

Between 2012-2016, Prematurity was the second leading cause of infant mortality in Minnesota, contributing to 24.7% of all infant deaths. In 2019, 1 in 11 MN babies were born prematurely, with significant disparities for Black (9.7%) and Native American (15.2%) women/birthing people. Furthermore, the average cost of premature birth is staggering. For a baby born to term, the average cost is $4389; for a premature baby, it is 11x more expensive at $54,194.

Early hearing detection is vital for newborns, as undiagnosed hearing loss can lead to delays in speech, language, vocalization, and social development. In Minnesota, while most infants are screened for hearing loss before one month of age, only 45.8% of those who failed their initial screening in 2020 received a diagnostic evaluation by three months. By addressing gaps in early hearing care, this initiative aims to increase the timeliness of hearing loss diagnosis and strengthen referral follow-up procedures.

Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy are a significant contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality in the United States, with 15.9% of all pregnancies impacted and nearly 32% of maternal deaths during delivery hospitalizations in 2019 associated with these conditions. This initiative will assess health system barriers, provide education to address provider knowledge gaps and treatment disparities, introduce standardized processes for hypertension treatment, incorporate antiracism practices, and enhance patient education and engagement.

Perinatal substance use and opioid use disorders are the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality in Minnesota, posing significant challenges to the health and well-being of pregnant individuals and their infants. By integrating evidence-based AIM (Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health) bundles, fostering collaboration among hospital teams, and providing learning sessions with content experts, the MOSTaRE initiative achieved a measurable impact.

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, affecting 3–11% of all pregnancies, account for 6.3% of maternal deaths in the United States, highlighting a critical need for improved care and prevention. By implementing the Blue Band Program, hospital teams can identify at-risk patients more effectively and adhere to evidence-based care protocols. This Sprint is expected to improve maternal outcomes and advance the prevention and management of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy.

Early hearing detection is vital for newborns, as undiagnosed hearing loss can lead to delays in speech, language, vocalization, and social development. In Minnesota, while most infants are screened for hearing loss before one month of age, only 45.8% of those who failed their initial screening in 2020 received a diagnostic evaluation by three months. By addressing gaps in early hearing care, this Community of Learning (COL) aims to increase the timeliness of hearing loss diagnosis and strengthen referral follow-up procedures.

Mental health conditions and perinatal substance use disorders are among the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality in Minnesota. By enhancing identification processes and referrals to mental health and substance use care, LINK aims to bridge critical gaps in perinatal care.

The opioid crisis continues to affect vulnerable populations, including newborns exposed to opioids in utero who often develop Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS). Traditional treatments rely on medications and prolonged hospital stays, which can be costly and challenging for families. The Eat, Sleep, Console (ESC) method offers a compassionate, family-centered alternative that prioritizes non-pharmacological care and addresses newborns’ basic needs. By reducing medication use and improving outcomes, ESC provides a holistic, evidence-based approach to managing NOWS.