Pediatric Pioneers Episode 15: Tackling Maternal Mortality and Inequities: What Is OT’s Role?

Patricia Corbin, OTD, MS, OTR/L, an award-winning early intervention specialist and maternal health advocate, joins host Nicole Quint to unpack occupational therapy’s vital role in addressing the maternal mortality crisis. In this compelling conversation, Nicole and Patricia share personal stories, clinical insights, and a bold call to action for OTPs across all settings. Together, they explore how OT can help tackle inequities, improve health literacy, and support mothers during the perinatal and postpartum periods. Tune in to discover practical ways you can expand your impact and help save lives—starting with the questions you ask.Learning ObjectivesAnalyze the evidence around the occupational therapy practitioner’s role in promoting maternal health outcomes and supporting participation as a member of interprofessional perinatal care teamsApply evidence-based, occupation-centered strategies to reduce the effects of pregnancy-induced hypertension and address contextual factors contributing to maternal mortalitySolve patient case scenarios that require addressing health literacy, racial inequities, and social determinants of health to support occupational engagement during the perinatal periodTimestamps(00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:05) Introduction to maternal health and preeclampsia(00:02:20) Personal journey with preeclampsia(00:04:43) Understanding preeclampsia(00:06:13) The impact of preeclampsia on mothers(00:11:38) Risk factors for preeclampsia(00:12:35) Disparities in maternal health(00:16:53) The effects of women not being heard in maternal health(00:21:18) Effects of preeclampsia on infant development(00:26:50) The role of occupational therapy practitioners in maternal health(00:32:08) Recent research on preeclampsia(00:40:19) Resource kits for mothers(00:47:50) Signs and symptoms of preeclampsia(00:53:15) Actionable takeaways for practitionersPediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠