Why the Increase?

Introduction

The causes of the increase in maternal mortality seen recently in California and a number of other states has yet to be accurately accounted for.  Some investigators point to the recent improvements in identification of maternal deaths and collection of  maternal death data.  Others point to significant changes in population characteristics of pregnant women making them more at risk for morbidity and mortality.  Lastly, most investigators allow that administrative and population characteristics changes account for only some of the increase seen but that a significant portion of the increase may be due to clinical factors under the control of the health care system.  Herein lies one of the major opportunties for CMQCC.

What Changed in Data Collection/Data Definitions?

 

What Changed in the Characteristics of Pregnant Women?

 

What Changed in Clinical Practices?