The Massachusetts Perinatal Quality Collaborative (MPQC)
The MPQC is a cooperative voluntary program involving Massachusetts maternity facilities and key perinatal stakeholders, designed to promote the sharing of best practices of care. Success will be based on outcome measures generated from individual healthcare facilities and state agencies.
Current Projects:
MA AIM Initiative
2018 - Present
In an effort to address the disturbing rise in maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity rates across the US, MPQC is partnering with the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM). AIM, a national collaborative of providers, public health, and advocacy organizations, supports implementation of evidence-based action steps (maternal safety bundles) on high risk maternal conditions in birthing facilities, clinics, and hospitals across the state. For more information on how to join the initiative, click here
Improvements Achieved:
Early Elective Deliveries
2010-2013
MPQC, in conjunction with the March of Dimes and ACOG, initiated the hard stop policy for elective deliveries prior to 39 weeks. Over the course of 12 months, working with all Massachusetts birthing hospitals, this project contributed towards the reduction of early elective deliveries by 50% in one year. By 2013, the state’s rate was 1.3%. This is a decrease of approximately 1400 babies born “too early.” These babies have decreased risk of NICU admission and morbidity.
Maternal Hypertension
2016—Present
MPQC runs a 4-hospital pilot program based on ACOG recommendations about the treatment of severe hypertension in pregnancy. The chart to the right shows the improvement seen over the 3 month pilot. Currently, 10 hospital are engaged in this QI project.
Obstetrical Hemorrhage
2012— 2015
MPQC focused on the dissemination of best practices and toolkits regarding obstetrical hemorrhage. 21 hospitals underwent formal QI training and contributed outcomes data from 2013 – 2016. The below graphs show a sustained decrease in maternal transfusions and maternal ICU admission. A possible decrease in 8 per 1000 deliveries in transfusions across the state would show a decrease in approximately 560 fewer women transfused.
