Training healthcare workers to better handle maternal emergencies
Official title: Implementation of a Maternal Resuscitation Curriculum in a Regionalized Perinatal Health System: Maximizing the Chain of Survival to Reduce Maternal Health Inequities
Funded at University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt · NIH-10933505 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new training program for healthcare workers to help them better respond to serious emergencies that can happen during childbirth, like heart problems, so that mothers get the best care possible when they need it most.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Farmington, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | September 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $447,462 |
| NIH project number | 5R18HS029814-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10933505 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals or new mothers who may face medical emergencies during childbirth.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or who do not have access to healthcare facilities implementing the new training may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the response to maternal medical emergencies, such as cardiac arrest, by implementing a specialized training curriculum for healthcare workers. The curriculum, called Obstetric Life SupportTM (OBLSTM), uses interdisciplinary simulations to enhance the skills and confidence of medical responders in managing these critical situations. By addressing the current gaps in training and knowledge among healthcare providers, the project aims to ensure timely and effective care for mothers in distress, ultimately reducing maternal morbidity and mortality rates. The research will evaluate the effectiveness of this training across various healthcare settings in the United States.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the survival rates and health outcomes for mothers experiencing medical emergencies during childbirth.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data from similar training interventions have shown significant improvements in healthcare workers' competencies and confidence, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
Farmington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shields, Andrea Denise — University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
- Study coordinator: Shields, Andrea Denise
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Non-invasive, continuous blood pressure monitoring for prenatal maternal health
A wearable device from PyrAmes uses comfortable, non-invasive sensors and smart software to constantly monitor a pregnant person’s blood pressure and heart health so doctors can protect both mom and baby.
-
Identifying how ableism affects pregnancy and postpartum care for women with intellectual and developmental disabilities on Medicaid
This grant studies how bias and barriers in the healthcare system affect pregnancy and postpartum outcomes for women with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are on Medicaid and their babies.
-
UIC Maternal Health Center of Excellence brings together teams to improve maternal health in communities
A center-based program at UIC will work with communities and researchers to reduce maternal death and serious health problems by improving systems of care.
-
SAFE Futures: Supporting AIAN Maternal Health with remote monitoring and community help
A pilot program tests a culturally tailored, tech-supported prenatal care approach for American Indian and Alaska Native women to improve engagement and communication with providers.
-
Tailored postpartum care strategies to improve maternal health
A real-world study tests a customized set of postpartum care practices led by community partners to improve new mothers' health and safety.
-
Ama Bidziil: Strengthening AI mothers’ health with community doulas
A Johns Hopkins-led project will explore how AI community doulas affect maternal health for American Indian women in rural Navajo communities.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.