The Arkansas Perinatal Quality Collaborative (ARPQC)--a partnership launched last year between the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), the Arkansas Department of Health, and 34 birthing hospitals across the state--launched its new website recently, creating a hub for patients and healthcare providers alike to access pivotal information related to maternal healthcare in Arkansas.
The site, arpqc.org, houses information about the collaborative, provides education to help patients make informed healthcare decisions, and includes resources for healthcare providers.
The ARPCQ’s mission is to decrease maternal morbidity and mortality in Arkansas. Between 2018 and 2020, 38 women in Arkansas died from pregnancy-related causes. According to the state’s review panel of medical experts, more than 90% of these deaths were potentially preventable.
“Through our website, we’re making available all the information and resources we have to help strengthen the quality of maternal care and to improve patient outcomes and experiences for women in Arkansas,” said Jennifer Callaghan-Koru, PhD, MHS, an associate professor in the UAMS Department of Internal Medicine and the director of evaluation for the ARPQC. “For patients, we’re providing information about maternity care services and quality programs at each birthing hospital. This is the first time this information is available in one place for all hospitals in Arkansas.”
Since its launch last year, the ARPQC has facilitated trainings with hospitals and clinicians across the state aimed at reducing cesarean delivery rates and providing better pathways to optimal health for Arkansas’ mothers.
“The ARPQC has brought all the state’s birthing hospitals together to work as a collaborative group committed to improving outcomes for maternity patients across the state,” said Dawn Brown, MSN, program director for the ARPQC. “Hospitals are sharing their successes with one another and also seeking each other’s advice on best practices. We’re excited to see our state’s doctors and nurses collaborate to create a better state of health for all mothers in Arkansas.”