Lora Sparkman, MHA, RN, BSN, VP of Patient Safety and Quality at Relias, has been a nurse for over 40 years and has led patient safety and improvement work for over 20 years, specifically using software and technology to advance healthcare improvement towards healthcare efficiency and effectiveness. For the past nine years, she has served as a clinical strategic leader at Relias, a multi-solution workforce enablement partner to 13,000 healthcare organizations and 4.5 million caregivers. Most recently, Sparkman leads a team at Relias with academic partners developing a VR application applying adult learning principles and human factors to improve infection, prevention, and control. Sparkman was recognized as the top 10 Women Leaders in Healthcare Software in 2022 by Becker’s, and top 25 Women Leaders in Healthcare Software by The Healthcare Technology Report.
VR allows learners to actually ‘see’ the virtual germs responsible for causing infections and spreading disease, which could otherwise only be seen under a microscope. The technology also heightens users' senses, drawing their attention to things they would be unable to see in traditional learning environments.
It is imperative that everyone in the care continuum knows the warning signs of peripartum depression.
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Reducing C-sections that are not medically necessary will save lives and reduce complications such as excessive bleeding and infections. Only through comprehensive education and awareness can we give both mothers and obstetric care teams the tools they need to make the right decision about whether a C-section is medically indicated.
Peripartum depression is still widely prevalent and represents one of the most critical maternal health risks. Fortunately, evidence-based interventions have been proven effective in mitigating PPD symptoms and improving health outcomes for both mother and infant.
Especially today, when more mothers’ health may be at risk, we can reduce potential harm and save thousands of lives through more evidence-based education, continuous training, and awareness that will help our obstetric care teams make informed and accurate medical decisions with effective interventions that mitigate complications early and often.