The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #61492

Cynthia J. Conteas, RN, MPA, South Bay Perinatal Access Project, 1124 West Carson St., Torrance, CA 90502, 310-222-3655, sobayPerip@aol.com and Lori Ann Julien, RN, MA, Perinatal Outreach Education Program, 2701 Atlantic Ave. "A", Long Beach, CA 90806.

There are currently fourteen Regional Perinatal Programs of California (RPPC), twelve of which are funded by Title V grants, providing services to all areas of the state. The programs are designed to assist the Department of Health Services, Maternal and Child Health Branch to optimize the health of pregnant women and infants in California. The RPPC collaborate with interested stakeholders to ensure that pregnant women and newborns have access to appropriate levels of high quality care; to provide safe and effective treatment to women and their babies before, during and after delivery; to meet the needs of infants at risk for neonatal complications and to reduce the incidence of maternal death due to obstetric complications.

To realize these goals, the regional programs serve as facilitators in coordinating and supporting perinatal quality improvement in their respective regions. By participating in community, county, regional and state task forces, the RPPC are able to respond to the needs of perinatal providers throughout the state. In-depth assessments, surveys, studies of regional significance, and review of perinatal data sets are used by the RPPC to identify significant perinatal issues. Once issues are identified, quality improvement projects are developed and implemented to improve the outcomes of mothers and their infants. Evidence-based best practice is then promoted through regional education programs. The RPPC is committed to reducing perinatal morbidity and mortality and to ensuring access to high quality, risk appropriate care for all women and newborns.

Learning Objectives:

• 1.Define Regional Perinatal Programs of California
• 2.Identify Quality Improvement strategies that can be implemented at the local, regional, and state level.
• 3.Recognize the impact of community perinatal collaboration on perinatal outcomes

Keywords: Maternal and Child Health,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Regional Perinatal Programs of California California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative California Childrens Services Long Beach/South Bay Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative Perinatal Transport System
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: grant