The Mississippi Perinatal Quality Collaborative (MSPQC) is set to host its 10th Annual Statewide Conference, titled “A Decade of Dedication: Enhancing Perinatal Outcomes in Mississippi,” on September 26-27, 2024, at the Sheraton Flowood: The Refuge Hotel & Conference Center. This milestone event celebrates ten years of dedicated efforts to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes in the state.
Established in November 2014, MSPQC has emerged as a leader in promoting evidence-based practices and quality improvement initiatives in perinatal care. The collaborative’s mission is clear: “Through collaborative partnerships, MSPQC seeks to transform Mississippi maternity and newborn care into a positive model of change that will help eliminate preventable maternal and infant morbidity and mortality in our state.”
Over the past decade, MSPQC has pursued key goals that have shaped its efforts to improve maternal and infant health outcomes in Mississippi. These goals include establishing quality and safety as clear priorities across all aspects of perinatal care, and gathering, reviewing, and organizing perinatal data and statistics to drive change. MSPQC promotes evidence-based practices in neonatal and obstetric care through statewide, data-driven performance improvement initiatives.
The collaborative also fosters public health and clinical system changes to enhance maternal and neonatal health, reducing morbidity and mortality from congenital diseases, preterm birth, low birth weight, maternal illness, and obstetric emergencies. Crucially, the collaborative has maintained a strong commitment to understanding and helping to eradicate racial disparities in maternal and infant morbidity and mortality, recognizing the importance of addressing health equity in perinatal care.
Dr. Lakisha Crigler, Medical Director of MSPQC, remarked, “Over the past ten years, our collaborative efforts have led to remarkable improvements in maternal and neonatal health. This event serves as a testament to the dedication and hard work of our healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community advocates in pursuing excellence in maternal and infant health.”
MSPQC has been at the forefront of implementing crucial quality improvement initiatives. A key focus has been the adoption of Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM) Safety Bundles, which address specific clinical conditions in pregnant and postpartum individuals. Additionally, MSPQC has spearheaded quality improvement projects in Neonatal Intensive Care Units, including the Golden Hour and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome initiatives.
Monica Stinson, MSPQC Program Manager, highlighted the collaborative’s achievements: “Our partnerships with Mississippi birthing hospitals, community and partner organizations have significantly improved maternal and neonatal care standards. By implementing AIM Safety Bundles and NICU initiatives, we’ve improved standardized safety practices and outcomes for mothers and infants.”
The upcoming conference will feature engaging sessions designed to enhance knowledge and foster collaboration in perinatal care. Attendees can look forward to keynote addresses, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and poster presentations showcasing recent research and quality improvement projects.
As MSPQC celebrates a decade of impactful work, the conference not only honors past achievements but also sets the stage for future advancements in maternal and neonatal health. By bringing together experts, healthcare professionals and community advocates, the event aims to inspire continued collaboration and innovation, ultimately improving the lives of mothers and infants across Mississippi.
For those interested in learning more about the Mississippi Perinatal Quality Collaborative or participating in MSPQC projects, please contact [email protected].
The Mississippi Perinatal Quality Collaborative is a program of the Mississippi Public Health Institute, dedicated to pursuing excellence in maternal and infant health for all families in the state.
