Myrtue Participates in Continuing Education with IMQCC

Myrtue Medical Center's Birthing Center and Emergency Department (ED) providers and nurses participated in an OB Severe Hypertension simulation led by the University of Iowa and Iowa Maternal Quality Care Collaborative (IMQCC) team on Thursday, May 9. IMQCC aims for 100% of Iowa birthing facilities to participate in the safety initiatives to improve pregnancy related outcomes, and this is the third year Myrtue Medical Center has participated in these initiatives.

This year’s training sessions allowed participants to practice evaluating and treating severe hypertension during pregnancy. IMQCC’s Kristal Graves, DNP, MSN, RNC-EFM, and Amanda Staab, MSN, RNC-OB, came to Myrtue and provided education to participants on evaluating and treating elevated blood pressures during pregnancy, which can be a symptom of additional pregnancy complications.

“Participating in the Iowa Collaborative has been a very positive experience,” stated Birthing Center Director, Michele Monson, BSN, RNC-OB. “Our Birthing Center team has been rewarded with resources, education, and support from our contacts with IMQCC. Being able to meet with other birthing facilities, who have the same goal of improving health outcomes for women, is encouraging and helpful toward providing optimal care to our patients.”

Last year, the safety aim was on OB Hemorrhage, focusing on enhancing assessment and interventions for pregnancy-related bleeding. The Shelby County Health Foundation purchased the Jada hemorrhage system, replacing the Bakri balloon for uterine tamponade/bleeding control.

Two years ago, IMQCC’s aim for Iowa hospitals was to acquire a primary cesarean (C-section) rate of 15% or lower, and Myrtue Birthing Center achieved a mere 4.1% of primary
C-section deliveries for the fiscal year 2022-2023.

The plan for 2025 is to focus on maternal mental health, and Myrtue is eager to continue bettering our facility for the well-being of all our patients while working with IMQCC.

GLOSSARY:

• Hypertension: when the pressure in your blood vessels is too high (140/90 or higher)
• Maternal: relating to a mother, especially during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth
• Uterine Tamponade: causing a relaxed uterus to clamp down on blood vessels to control bleeding