Oral

Changing population demographics in the U.S. coupled with a shift in the quantity, type and geographic locations of providers making up the health care workforce have contributed to rising disparities in access to health care providers for many Americans including women and children. As of December 2012, 56.8 million people lived in health professional shortage areas and, if care delivery systems don't change, this number is projected to increase. The session will explore Fetal health assessment aims to identify fetuses at risk for stillbirth or neonatal mortality but the poor validity of the current tests can lead to iatrogenic intervention. In 2009, an NIH committee identified the need for innovation in antenatal testing, with specific attention toward fetal movement assessments and novel combinations of test results. This session will discuss these assessments. It is possible to develop an environment that nurtures, as well as reduces maternal mortality. We will explore a structured certification system that promotes both clinical and managerial behavior change. IN 2012, the Sudan project was selected as one of the projects highlighted at a joint US Senate and joint USAID event.

Session Objectives: 1.Describe how an innovative clinical prediction model can improve maternal and neonatal outcomes, and expand antenatal care in all settings 2.Explain why health plan foundations are important partners in strengthening the health care infrastructure of their communities. 3. Describe the Maternal & Child Centers of Excellence model that is being applied the Dominican Republic, and demonstrate the impact is having in reducing both maternal and neonatal mortality. 4. List the key elements to implement a comprehensive approach to increasing Skilled Birth Attendance in the Sudan