MATERNAL MORTALITY IN THE UNITED STATES: COMMON CAUSES, RACIAL DISPARITIES, AND BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to explore the issue of maternal mortality in the United States. Although the worldwide maternal mortality rate has been steadily decreasing over the past several decades, the US rate continues to increase (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022; World Health Organization [WHO], 2019). This is quite concerning, especially as many of these maternal deaths are preventable if recognized early and treated appropriately. Additionally, women of color make up a disproportionate number of maternal deaths in the US, an outcome that demonstrates the inequities of care in the maternal healthcare field. Therefore, this thesis focuses on preventing the most common causes of maternal deaths including postpartum hemorrhage, hypertensive and cardiovascular disorders, and infection and sepsis with an emphasis on racial disparities that lead to poor outcomes for women of color. A review of the current literature is presented, and best practice recommendations are compiled from this evidence, including increased access to care and anti-bias training for healthcare professionals. Lastly, a plan for the implementation of the anti-bias training is presented using the Plan-Do-Study-Act method of implementing and evaluating change within healthcare settings (Institute for Healthcare Improvement, 2020).