Texas health system partners with obstetrics care platform to tackle inequality in maternal health

Memorial Hermann Health System has partnered with the virtual obstetrics care platform Babyscripts to address inequities in maternity care.

The collaboration aims to overcome barriers to access for underserved populations, reduce maternal health inequities and lower maternal mortality and morbidity rates by enabling OB/GYNs to offer virtual care experiences to their pregnant and postpartum patients, the two parties have said.

The partnership will provide Memorial Hermann patients access to Babyscripts myJourney, an app offering gestational age-appropriate educational content, satisfaction surveys, appointment reminders and guidelines in the form of daily nutritional, medical and lifestyle action items.

Through the app, Babyscripts says patients will be able to track and monitor their weight gain which, according to a recent study, helps to effectively drive adherence to the Institute of Medicine’s gestational weight gain guidelines and increase postpartum weight loss.

“The ability to access adequate prenatal and postpartum care is one of the largest predictors of maternal and infant health outcomes,” said Anish Sebastian, CEO and co-founder of Babyscripts.

“With Babyscripts, Memorial Hermann is able to streamline the maternal health experience across their system, adding opportunities for access and providing consistent, high-quality pregnancy care to all patients, regardless of race, income, geography or risk.”

Dr Victoria Regan, vice president of women’s and children’s services at Memorial Hermann, said: “Memorial Hermann strives to make Greater Houston a place where every woman’s pregnancy, delivery and postpartum experience is successful and safe.

“This innovative partnership is a continuation of that commitment.”

Jennifer Todd, director of business development for women’s services at Memorial Hermann, said: “Patients feel most comfortable when they have access to resources endorsed by their care team that are relevant and meaningful for each stage of their pregnancy.

“This new tool will help make the process less stressful for all of our expectant mums.”