New publications from the The Joint Commission target maternal health

Editor's Note

The Joint Commission, on January 17, announced the publication of two new resources to help reduce mortality and morbidity in pregnant and postpartum patients.

• Sentinel Event Alert, Issue 66: Eliminating racial and ethnic disparities causing mortality and morbidity in pregnant and postpartum patients—emphasizes the effects of social determinants of health, such as housing and food insecurity; lack of access to healthcare, insurance, or transportation; low income and/or education; and racism, stereotyping, and discrimination.
• Quick Safety, Issue 67: Mental health conditions leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths—provides risk factors for pregnancy- and postpartum-related depression and suicide as well as safety actions that can be taken.

The Joint Commission is also collaborating with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to further address maternal health.