July Clinical Strategy Meeting Focuses on RI Perinatal Health

  • 15 Aug 2022

In an informative Clinical Strategy meeting, system of care leaders, practice leaders, provider and health plan representatives heard from a panel on Perinatal Health In Rhode Island. Facilitated by Pat Flanagan, panelists included:

  • Jami Star, MD, Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, PNQCRI
  • Elizabeth Rochin, Ph.D., RN, NE-BC, Administrative Director, PNQCRI
  • Deborah Garneau, MA, Maternal and Child Health Director, RIDOH
  • Jim Beasley, MPA, RI MomsPRN Program Manager, RIDOH

Jami Star, MD and Elizabeth Rochin, Ph.D., RN, NE-BC, talked about the ongoing work of the Perinatal Neonatal Quality Collaborative of Rhode Island (PNQCRI) including a focus on maternal mental health, access to quality postpartum care and support from doulas and community health workers. Deborah Garneau, MA and Jim Beasley, MPA from RIDOH emphasized the road ahead for improving the health and outcomes of birthing parents while talking about the deep disparities among patients of color. Additionally, RI MomsPRN serves to build the capacity of providers to screen for behavioral health and substance use disorders in their pregnant and postpartum patients, and respond with appropriate treatment and referral through teleconsults. These phone lines give healthcare providers (who are treating pregnant, postpartum, or pediatric patients) real-time clinical consultations with specialty psychiatrists. The psychiatrists then are able to discuss patient diagnosis, treatment planning, medication safety, and referral support.

To view the recording, find additional resources and claim CME credit, check out our page on CME Coursework