Expanding Access & Improving Outcomes: The Vital Role of Certified Nurse-Midwives in Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis
The United States is facing a growing maternal health crisis, compounded by significant access issues. Nearly half of U.S. counties currently lack a single OB-GYN, a situation that endangers both pregnant individuals and their babies due to insufficient prenatal and birth care. Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) offer a powerful,yet frequently enough underutilized,solution to expand healthcare reach,particularly in underserved communities.
The midwifery model of care provides benefits extending beyond patients and infants.Integrating CNMs as central figures in care delivery demonstrably improves hospital efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This isn’t about replacing OB-GYNs; rather, it’s about optimizing the skills of both professions. A collaborative approach allows physicians and specialists to concentrate on complex,emergency,and high-risk cases,while cnms provide attentive care for a broader range of patients.
The potential economic benefits are ample. Estimates suggest that increasing CNM involvement to handle just 20% of births over the next decade could yield cost savings of around $4 billion.
Data from programs at Ob hospitalist Group (OBHG) consistently demonstrate the positive impact of CNM integration. Hospitals with midwife hospitalists consistently achieve better quality metrics, including lower C-section rates, compared to those without CNMs. This collaborative model allows physicians to focus on high-complexity cases while ensuring all patients receive dedicated care.
For hospitals,especially those in rural or underserved areas struggling to attract OB providers,CNMs can bridge critical gaps in service while maintaining high-quality care. Solutions like OBHG’s Maternal Health Access Solutions offer customizable staffing options, incorporating CNMs as integral members of the maternal care team.
Ultimately, improving women’s health requires a commitment to collaborative, shared models championed by both CNMs and physicians. Embracing these opportunities is crucial for creating a sustainable, patient-centered system that benefits patients, providers, and hospital administrators alike.
Mark Simon, MD, MMM, Chief Medical Officer of Ob Hospitalist Group (OBHG), emphasizes the importance of this shift.OBHG partners with hospitals and health systems nationwide, employing over 1,800 OB/GYNs and CNMs who work exclusively in hospital settings to implement patient safety initiatives, manage labors, provide emergency obstetrical services, and implement evidence-based best practices.
