Maternal mortality

A cultural disparity in health care that I learned about this semester was the maternal mortality rate among Black women. Maternal mortality is increasing in the United States and affects Black women at a disproportionate rate (Lister et al., 2019). There are various reasons for this distressing health disparity. One, Black women have an increased likelihood of having a pre-existing condition (e.g., cardiovascular disease) that puts them at a higher risk for maternal mortality (Lister et al., 2019). Second, racial bias among healthcare providers as well as racial discrimination sensed or perceived from patients influences the patients overall trust in the medical community and their providers (Lister et al., 2019). Lastly, Black women carry an increased likelihood of experiencing untoward pregnancy outcomes which increases their risk for the development of long-term cardiovascular conditions (Lister et al., 2019).

The advanced practice nurse (APN) can help reduce this disparity in a number of ways. Such ways may include the following: inquiring to increase overall understanding of each patient and factors that may be impacting their lives, educating patients and family members on the urgent maternal warning manifestations/when to seek immediate medical attention, assisting patients in managing chronic diseases or conditions that may occur during the pregnancy period (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, depression), actively work towards recognizing and eliminating unconscious bias on an continuous basis, acknowledge any concerns and questions patients present, and provide every patient with respectful, equal, and quality care (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024). A team approach is also vital in reducing this disparity. For example, as stated above, Black women are more likely to suffer from pre-existing conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases. In these cases, patients should be cared for and managed by not only obstetric providers but also cardiology providers (Lister et al., 2019). A team approach will ensure more comprehensive care is being provided. This disparity is very difficult to think about and it is important as providers that we actively work towards decreasing such disparities.