Maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity rates are on the rise, with significant racial and ethnic disparities. Black non-Hispanic birthing people experience pregnancy-related mortality rates that are three times higher than non-Hispanic white counterparts. To address these disparities and improve outcomes, perinatal and neonatal professionals must implement evidence-based quality improvement initiatives tailored to their unique needs.

The Maryland Patient Safety Center offers a yearlong Perinatal & Neonatal Quality and Safety Fellowship to equip professionals with the skills needed to develop, implement, evaluate, and sustain quality improvement projects aimed at improving outcomes and reducing disparities.

Fellowship Highlights:

• Identify a Key Issue: Participants will select a perinatal quality or safety issue affecting their unit.
• Ongoing Support: Fellows will attend monthly group meetings and/or individual support sessions throughout the year to guide them in developing and implementing their quality improvement projects.
• Build Lasting Infrastructure: Fellows will create a sustainable quality infrastructure within their unit to support continuous improvement efforts.
• Hands-On Experience: Upon completion, fellows will gain the expertise to lead quality improvement initiatives and promote safer outcomes for mothers and babies.

Fellowship Structure and Support:

Participants will engage in monthly meetings and receive individualized support on key topics, including:

• Refining Your QI Question: Clarify goals and define what you aim to improve.
• Advancing Equity: Incorporate strategies to address disparities and promote equitable care.
• Finding and Reviewing Evidence: Identify and apply evidence-based practices.
• Building Your Team: Identify stakeholders and assemble a collaborative team.
• Engaging Staff and Leaders: Motivate colleagues and leadership to support your improvement efforts.
• Visualizing Data: Learn to create clear and effective data visualizations.
• Analyzing Data for Improvement: Measure progress and evaluate outcomes.
• Key Implementation Strategies: Ensure your project is actionable and sustainable.
• Mentorship in Abstract and Manuscript Development: Receive guidance on presenting or publishing your project.

Additional Fellowship Details:

• Limited Enrollment: This fellowship is limited to ten participants to ensure personalized support.
• Program Duration: The fellowship runs from September 2025 through June 2026.
• Core Readings and Discussions: Fellows will engage in assigned readings and monthly discussions on quality and patient safety topics to enhance learning.

This fellowship is an invaluable opportunity for perinatal professionals dedicated to advancing health equity and improving care delivery. Fellowship applications will open in April. We invite you to become part of the solution in improving maternal and neonatal safety.