What is it?
- A collaborative effort by Ohio care providers, hospitals, payers, parents and policy makers to identify and apply effective improvement methods to reduce preterm birth and morbidity and mortality for preterm infants in Ohio. These partners will learn from each other to make sure every Ohio mother and baby gets the best available care.
Why is it necessary?
- Preterm birth is the leading cause of infant mortality in Ohio. Among states, we rank 35th in infant mortality and 31st in prematurity. Effective interventions such as antenatal corticosteroids, surfactant, regionalized care, and CPAP are variably used throughout Ohio. Thus, there are opportunities to improve our care before and after birth.
Who will pay for it?
- OPQC has received a contract from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) for 2 years of funding from the Centers for Medicare&Medicaid Services (CMS) to further develop quality improvement collaborative including setting up a data system and supporting optimal systems of care throughout Ohio. The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) is also a partner.
Who should participate?
- All Ohio Perinatal providers including clinicians, hospitals and parents are welcome to participate. The Ohio Department of Health, Ohio’s 6 Regional Perinatal Centers and Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) are members. The Ohio AAP and Ohio ACOG are supporters.
Is the data sharing secure?
- Yes. Participating sites and OPQC sign data sharing agreements that specify that all patient data will be de-identified and that hospitals will not be identified without their permission.
What about improvement projects?
- One Perinatal and one Neonatal improvement project are currently in progress.
Who can I contact for more information?
