Improving cardiac outcomes for moms across Virginia.

Maternal Cardiac Health

Heart health is critical in pregnancy and postpartum. Cardiac conditions significantly increase the risk of severe maternal morbidity and complications during pregnancy and postpartum. Additionally, rates of preterm birth among deliveries with cardiac conditions in Virginia increased from 216.68 per 1000 deliveries in 2020 to 236.84 per 1000 deliveries in 2024.

Maternal Cardiac Health Statistics in Virginia

Among pregnant mothers from 2020-2024,

23.55%

have heart arrhythmias

2.83%

have pulmonary hypertension

per 100 deliveries

Maternal Cardiac Quality Improvement Project

Overview

The Maternal Cardiac Quality Improvement (MCQI) Project is a statewide initiative focused on improving the identification, assessment, and management of cardiac conditions during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Guided by the AIM Cardiac Conditions in Obstetric Care Bundle, the project supports participating hospitals in strengthening clinical processes to reduce preventable maternal morbidity and mortality.

Aims

  • Improve early identification and risk assessment of maternal cardiac conditions
  • Enhance timely and appropriate management of cardiac conditions during pregnancy and postpartum
  • Reduce preventable maternal morbidity and mortality related to cardiac conditions

How does it work?

The project is currently in the early planning phase. The project faculty has been selected and the first faculty meeting is scheduled for April 7, 2026. Upcoming work will focus on developing the project charter, driver diagram, and key metrics in collaboration with faculty, followed by recruitment and onboarding of participating hospitals.

Timeline

The MCQI Project is currently in the early planning phase.

January – March 2026

  • Complete faculty recruitment

  • Initial project faculty meeting scheduled 

April – June 2026

  • Hold first project kickoff meeting

  • Complete project design, charter, driver diagram and key metrics planning with faculty

  • Prepare onboarding materials and recruitment strategy 

  • Initiate hospital recruitment 

For Participants

Dr. Vienne Murray, MD

Dr. Christopher Ennen, MD

Dr. Antonio Saad, MD

Dr. Emily Barrows, MD

Holly Perkins, MS, RN, FNP-C

Dr. Saima Shikari, DO

Jessa Hallam, NP

Hannah Padgett, MSN, FNP-C

Kerry Patterson, RN, MSN

Lisa McCann, OT

Hospital participant recruitment will begin Summer 2026.

Participants in this QI project will:

  • Join in learning sessions and project meetings
  • Submit data and progress tracking monthly
  • Implement facility-level quality improvement initiatives
  • Engage in collaborative discussions and shared learning activities
  • Attend regular check-ins and technical assistance support calls

Benefits of participating in VNPC's Maternal Cardiac Project include:

  • Access to evidence-based practices aligned with the AIM Cardiac Bundle
  • Support in improving clinical processes for maternal cardiac care
  • Data tracking and performance feedback
  • Technical assistance and expert guidance from project faculty
  • Opportunities for shared learning and collaboration across hospitals

Better maternal outcomes are possible

Your facility’s participation in the Maternal Cardiac project can make meaningful improvements in care and outcomes for maternal health patients.

If you still have questions regarding the Maternal Cardiac QI project, contact us at: info@goVNPC.org