Mothers, you should LISTEN to learn about your pregnancy and potential complications that could arise so that you and your family are in the best position to be your own first responder and be prepared to advocate for yourself and then escalate concerns and needs that are not being met.
Healthcare Providers, you should LISTEN to your patients and act. Statistics show that providers are not listening to their patients and it's contributing to devastating outcomes.
Mothers, L-I-S-T-E-N
Learn
Explore conditions that may affect your pregnancy and postpartum journey.Inquire
Be sure to ask your doctor lots of questions.Symptoms
Recognize concerning signs and symptoms you may experience before and after giving birth.Treatment
Understand the treatment plan for your condition.Evaluation
Understand how your healthcare provider will evaluate and monitor your condition.Needs
Explore your ongoing needs after you've given birth.
Healthcare Providers,
L-I-S-T-E-N
L-I-S-T-E-N
Listen
Listen to your patients and their family advocates or doulas. She is the expert on her own body and those closest to her, know her best. Give them your undivided attention so that you can truly hear them and respond appropriately.Investigate
Do your assessment based on what the patient told you.Serious
Take concerns seriously. Think "How would I treat my family member (daughter or mother) if she were to explain the same symptoms?" Are my administrative assistants and nurses empowered to escalate phone calls to a higher level? Are they trained on key phrases that should set off an alarm in their minds when answering the phone? Do they know NOT to make statements such as "I know how you feel" or "We have seen this situation a thousand times before?"Treat
Treat your patient according to the recommended protocol. What does ACOG recommend? Remember your Hippocratic Oath.Evaluate
Did your course of treatment work? If not, what's the next step? What other treatments/procedures are available and recommended for the patient's condition?Needs
What are her needs once she goes home? Is she scheduled for a follow-up appointment with you, your physician's assistant, or your nurse practitioner? Will a nurse call her tomorrow or in the next few days to check on her? Does she need case management to help with resources and barriers to care? Could you make referrals to community organizations and collaborate with them for ongoing care beyond six weeks? Should she be discharged with a blood pressure cuff and instructions on how to use it? Does she know when to return if she's having problems?