NHS FPX 8002 Assessment 1 Demonstrating Effective Leadership

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Capella university

NHS-FPX 8002 Collaboration, Communication, and Case Analysis for Doctoral Learners

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Date

Demonstrating Effective Leadership

The United States has one of the highest maternal morbidity and mortality rates among developed nations (Johnson, 2022). Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that 2021 saw a 40% increase in maternal deaths compared to 2020, marking one of the worst years in U.S. history for maternal health outcomes (Hoyert, 2021). Racial and ethnic disparities exacerbate this issue, with Black women facing a risk of pregnancy-related death three to four times higher than white women (CDC, 2019).

To address this crisis, the CDC introduced Perinatal Quality Collaboratives (PQCs) to improve healthcare processes and reduce maternal deaths. However, effective implementation of these programs requires leadership at the local level. This paper explores strategies to improve Black maternal health in Palm Beach County, Florida, through a collaborative coalition, analyzing contributing factors and proposing targeted interventions.

Contributing Factors

The maternal mortality rate in the U.S. rose by nearly 20% in 2020, outpacing other developed nations (Johnson, 2022). Maternal mortality refers to deaths during pregnancy or within 42 days postpartum, excluding accidental causes (CDC, 2019). Leading medical causes include blood clots, hypertension, and hemorrhage (Johnson, 2022). Black women are disproportionately affected, with maternal death rates three to four times higher than those of white or Hispanic women (Collier & Molina, 2017). Southern states, including Florida, report the highest maternal mortality rates, reflecting disparities in healthcare access and provider availability (Snyder et al., 2020).

Despite socioeconomic and educational advances, disparities persist. Black women report systemic issues such as inadequate continuity of care, communication gaps, and perceived bias within healthcare systems (Wang et al., 2021). Many deaths are preventable and stem from conditions like cardiomyopathy and eclampsia, which disproportionately affect Black women (MacDorman et al., 2021). Structural barriers such as implicit bias, insufficient healthcare access, and systemic racism further compound these issues (Bravender, 2020).

Coalition to Address Maternal Morbidity

A coalition in Palm Beach County, Florida, aims to address these disparities. The coalition includes an Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Certified Nurse Midwife, Labor & Delivery Registered Nurse, Doula, and a representative from the Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Palm Beach County, Inc. This diverse team analyzes the factors contributing to poor maternal outcomes and implements evidence-based strategies to improve patient safety and healthcare equity.

Issues Affecting Collaboration

Potential challenges in interprofessional collaboration include communication gaps, role ambiguity, time constraints, biases, and leadership conflicts. Hierarchical differences among team members, such as obstetricians and midwives, could hinder effective teamwork without trust and mutual respect.

Strategies to Optimize Collaboration

To foster collaboration, the coalition must define roles clearly, establish shared goals, and prioritize open communication (Downey et al., 2018). Equal participation in decision-making and partnerships with organizations addressing similar issues will enhance the coalition’s impact.

Ethical Considerations

The coalition adheres to ethical principles of respect, justice, equity, and beneficence to reduce racial disparities in birth outcomes. Beneficence emphasizes addressing significant disparities to improve maternal outcomes, while justice calls for equitable healthcare access for Black women. Anti-bias training and culturally sensitive practices further ensure ethical care delivery (Varkey, 2021).

Collaboration, Diversity, and Inclusion

Maternal health disparities harm not only Black women but the broader community. Addressing this issue requires a diverse and inclusive coalition. Diverse coalitions are associated with higher success rates and foster environments that respect and integrate varied perspectives (Junk, 2019).

Literature Review to Address Maternal Morbidity

Community-informed models focusing on structural determinants of health show promise in addressing disparities. Evidence-based strategies include diversifying the women’s health workforce, promoting cultural sensitivity in medical education, and enhancing interprofessional training (Julian et al., 2020). These interventions are essential for achieving equitable maternal health outcomes.

Table: Summary of Key Aspects

Category	Details	References
Contributing Factors	Racial disparities, inadequate access, implicit bias, and systemic racism	CDC, 2019; Johnson, 2022; MacDorman et al., 2021
Coalition Composition	Multidisciplinary team addressing maternal outcomes	Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Palm Beach County, Inc.; Downey et al., 2018
Strategies for Improvement	Community-informed care models, anti-bias training, cultural sensitivity	Julian et al., 2020; Varkey, 2021

References

Bravender, R. (2020). ‘It’s not fine.’ Black mothers and babies are dying in Florida. Florida Phoenix.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Pregnancy-related deaths.

Collier, A. Y., & Molina, R. L. (2021). Maternal mortality in the United States: Updates on trends, causes, and solutions. Neoreviews, 20(10), e561-e574.

Downey, L. M., Ireson, C. L., Slavova, S., & McKee, G. (2018). Defining elements of success: A critical pathway of coalition development. Health Promotion Practice, 9(2), 130-139.