Investing in Learners

BELIEVE IPE: Investing in and innovating learning

Supporting new ways to train generations of maternal health advocates for change

Training interdisciplinary healthcare providers together can enhance care for new mothers and their baby. Interdisciplinary collaboration in maternal health care leads to improved outcomes for both mothers and infants, including reduced rates of postpartum complications and increased rates of breastfeeding initiation and continuation (Journal of Interprofessional Care).

Our team is proud to seek out people who are passionate about this work and bring them into our conversations, work, and network. Read a few ways we’re changing the way we educate and train, and are investing in new learners.

We BELIEVE in INNOVATION

We are changing the way it’s [healthcare training/educating] been done to change outcomes [for birthing people experiences/outcomes].

Training professionals using virtual reality

In preparation for the clinical trials, this past week, BELIEVE team members Jasmine, Janiya, Jamie, and Precious attended VR Training with BlueSky Innovations. Testing the VR experience allowed us to understand what needed to be improved before we set everything in stone. Learn about what we are planning and doing to change the way we train and support healthcare teams so they are prepared for real-world situations with their patients.

Details about our new maternal healthcare training program coming soon!

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We BELIEVE in education that values everyone. Diversity in maternal health education encompasses more than just cultural sensitivity, bias training, and trustworthy, understandable content; it involves meeting people where they are with an understanding of the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and needs of women accessing care. By embracing diversity in education and training programs, we can ensure that healthcare providers are equipped to deliver culturally competent care that respects and honors the unique identities and perspectives of all patients. See some ways we are investing in rising maternal health learners.

Community-Led Engagement

Foundational to our work is uplifting communities. More support is needed to care for the people who serve mothers in their areas. See a fun, fundraising effort to pave the way for change.

We ARE Family

Centering HBCU Voices

The team continues to invite and engage with various HBCUs in North Carolina, including hosting the “BELIEVE in HBCU Mixer” event. Students are offered opportunities to join events, meetings, and educational sessions to not only learn, but share their perspective and insight to innovate what’s possible.

HBCU Partners

Investing in MCH Learners

We were able to provide three minority healthcare scholarships for three maternal health students. Investing in diverse learners is one step to create a more diverse workforce. Meet our Scholarship Awardees.

BELIEVE Scholars

Innovating Maternal Health Learning

We are changing the way maternal health education and training has been done. Using technology, such as virtual reality and gamified training, we are bringing together different health professionals together to care for birthing people – and learn best practices through simulation experiences.

Details about our new maternal healthcare training program coming soon!

Why is this important?

By integrating diversity, equity, and interdisciplinary collaboration into maternal health education and training, we can empower future generations of healthcare providers to become advocates for change. These learners will play a crucial role in challenging systemic injustices, advocating for policies that promote health equity, and ultimately, improving outcomes for mothers and babies everywhere.

How are you involving interdisciplinary teams?

Through culturally adapted training programs and curriculum development, we can equip healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills needed to address the underlying social determinants of health and systemic issues that contribute to disparities in maternal outcomes.

Education and training programs that prioritize diversity and equity can help break down barriers to care by fostering a healthcare workforce that is sensitive to the needs of underserved communities and equipped to provide culturally responsive care. Equity in maternal health education goes hand in hand with addressing health disparities that disproportionately affect marginalized communities – including the access to education and services.

Our teams about proud to unite not just diverse trainees, but partner with communities, organizations and programs that are committed to creating inclusive learning environments that celebrate the richness of diversity and strive for equity in care.

Together, we can transform maternal health education and training to ensure that every birthing person receives the respectful, compassionate, and high-quality care she deserves.

Learn more about the BELIEVE Birth Team, and work underway to make sustained policy and systems change for birthing parents in our country by joining our mailing list.

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Reference: Smith, J., Jones, L., & Johnson, K. (2019). The impact of interdisciplinary collaboration in maternal healthcare: A systematic review. Journal of Interprofessional Care, 33(6), 691–699. https://doi.org/10.1080/13561820.2019.1615867