Reduce Maternal Morbidity Risk for Black Women with Digital Care Management
Maternal morbidity rates in the U.S. are in the spotlight—particularly the disparities many Black women face compared to their white counterparts.
Despite advances in medical technology and healthcare access, systemic racism and implicit biases in healthcare continue to contribute to adverse outcomes for Black women, especially during pregnancy. On average, severe maternal comorbidity impacts between 50,000 and 60,000 women every year in the U.S., according to the Commonwealth Fund.
Pregnant people who experience severe maternal morbidity are at higher risk of postpartum hospital readmission than those who did not. A study of women in Massachusetts found that those with severe maternal morbidity were more than twice as likely to be readmitted within six weeks.
In this blog, we explore some of the unique needs of Black maternity populations, and how health plans can provide digital care management solutions that empower members and improve outcomes.
How Digital Engagement Improves Maternal Health Outcomes
Digital health tools can play a significant role in improving maternal health outcomes by extending the reach of your care teams. In a recent study, Wellframe’s Maternal Health digital care program helped increase care team capacity, contributing to more than $775,000 in annual cost avoidance. Members enrolled in the program had a significantly higher prenatal visit rate in the third trimester, as well as significantly lower emergency department usage.
By leveraging the right digital health solutions, health plans can meet the needs of high-risk members—like the Black maternity population. Wellframe’s digital care programs use technology to encourage communication and trust between members, their care teams, and their health plans. Members can use digital tools to receive holistic and accessible healthcare support where and when they need it. Increasing member engagement can not only lead to better clinical outcomes, but also higher member satisfaction scores.
A New Digital Care Program: Reduce Maternal Morbidity for Black Women
To address the ongoing maternal health crisis, Wellframe developed a digital care program targeting the unique needs of pregnant Black women.
Wellframe’s care program, “Maternal Wellness for Black Women,” was developed to provide holistic support and education to pregnant Black women to close gaps in care and improve clinical outcomes. We do this by connecting women directly to their care providers within the app, as well as delivering accessible health information and encouraging health plan engagement.
Members enrolled in the “Maternal Wellness for Black Women” care program will receive information on important topics such as:
- Importance of prenatal care
- Clinical warning signs to watch out for
- Taking an active role in your healthcare
- Lifestyle and wellness tips
The care program also includes a toolkit for members, which they can download or access in the app. It offers suggestions and support for members looking into their healthcare options. Care managers can directly share a link to the toolkit with members at any time.
Are you looking for more information about how you can reach and engage with more members to achieve your health plan’s goals? Download our eBook, “Integrated Digital Care Management: Meeting Members and Care Managers Where They Are.”
