Washington State Perinatal Collaborative

Who We Are: A Community Dedicated to Maternal and Child Health

The Washington State Perinatal Collaborative (WSPC) is a coalition of public and private organizations, state agencies, healthcare providers, and community members united in their commitment to improving maternal and child care. Formed in 2008 as a subcommittee of the statewide Perinatal Advisory Committee (PAC), the WSPC works to enhance perinatal health outcomes across Washington State. The collaborative partners with a variety of stakeholders, including the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA), and March of Dimes, to implement quality improvement initiatives that address the needs of Washington families DOH Perinatal Collaborative.

Our Mission: Improving Outcomes for Mothers and Babies

The WSPC’s mission is to improve the care and outcomes for pregnant mothers, newborns, and infants. This mission is driven by recommendations from the Maternal Mortality Review Panel (MMRP), best practice guidelines, and research, ensuring that initiatives are evidence-based and family-centered. The WSPC hosts bi-annual meetings open to public participation and distributes perinatal health information through a monthly newsletter and listserv, fostering an inclusive community dedicated to better health outcomes DOH Perinatal Collaborative.

Our Objectives: Better Outcomes, Experiences, and Value

With the collaboration of families and frontline healthcare providers, the WSPC aims to achieve three key objectives:

• Produce Better Outcomes: Enhance health outcomes for babies and mothers by addressing preventable morbidity, mortality, and disparities in perinatal care DOH WSPC About.
• Improve Family Experiences: Provide better experiences for families when babies are born sick or prematurely, ensuring compassionate and supportive care.
• Deliver Better Value: Optimize the value of each healthcare dollar through quality improvement science, focusing on efficiency and effectiveness in care delivery.

Addressing Rising C-Section Rates: A Core Initiative

The WSPC was convened in 2008 by the Perinatal Advisory Committee (PAC) in response to the national and state rise in cesarean section (C-section) rates over the previous decade. Between 1996 and 2009, the U.S. C-section rate increased by 60%, prompting concern over maternal and infant health outcomes WSHA Cesarean Rates. In Washington, the collaborative seeks to understand the reasons behind this rise and identify modifiable factors contributing to it. The WSPC believes that variations in C-section, vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), and induction rates among hospitals are affecting maternal and infant health across the state. To address these variations, the WSPC engages agencies, hospitals, organizations, and communities to promote practices such as appropriate inductions, trials of labor, and accessibility to VBACs [Provided Context].

Since 2013, WSHA has led collaborative efforts through the Safe Deliveries Roadmap, partnering with the WSPC and other stakeholders like the March of Dimes to implement evidence-based practices that reduce unnecessary C-sections. By 2015, Washington’s first-time C-section rates had dropped to their lowest since 2003, a testament to the collaborative’s impact WSHA Cesarean Rates.

Quality Improvement Through Science and Collaboration

The WSPC’s initiatives and projects are grounded in quality improvement science, focusing on data-driven strategies to enhance perinatal care. The collaborative works with birthing hospitals to address systemic issues, such as maternal morbidity and mortality, through programs like the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM). For example, the AIM Perinatal Mental Health Bundle Workgroup aims to improve outcomes by addressing undiagnosed and undertreated perinatal mental health conditions, which affect one in five birthing people WSHA Perinatal Mental Health. The WSPC also fosters an inclusive community, welcoming diverse perspectives to ensure culturally responsive care and eliminate disparities based on race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status DOH WSPC About.

Contact Information: Connect with the WSPC

The WSPC encourages collaboration and welcomes individuals and organizations to participate in its initiatives. For more information or to get involved, contact one of the following representatives:

• Washington State Department of Health: Bat-Sheva Stein, RN, MSN, Maternal and Infant Health, PO Box 47880, Olympia, WA 98504-7880, (360) 236-3582, [email protected] DOH Perinatal Networks
• Washington State Hospital Association: Carol Wagner, Vice President, Patient Safety, (206) 577-1831, [email protected]
• March of Dimes: Gina Legaz, MPH, Director of Program Services and Public Affairs, 1904 Third Avenue, Suite 230, Seattle, WA 98101, (206) 624-1373, Fax: (206) 292-8190, [email protected]

Conclusion: A Commitment to Health Excellence

The Washington State Perinatal Collaborative has been a driving force in improving maternal and child care since 2008, addressing critical issues like rising C-section rates and perinatal disparities. Through quality improvement science, collaborative partnerships, and a focus on equity, the WSPC is dedicated to producing better outcomes, improving family experiences, and delivering greater value in healthcare. Whether you’re a current member of one of WSPC’s affiliated physician groups or seeking a trusted provider, the collaborative invites you to join its mission for a healthier Washington.