Point32Health and Ariadne Labs have partnered to expand TeamBirth, a maternal health care programme created by Ariadne Labs, to more locations in Massachusetts.

Several healthcare systems in Massachusetts are participating in the expansion, including Baystate Franklin Medical Centre, Boston Medical Centre, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Cape Cod Hospital.

The move follows a successful pilot of Team Birth at UMass Memorial Medical Centre.

TeamBirth aims to improve maternal health care by strengthening communication and shared decision-making between healthcare providers, patients and their families.

It also includes tools to reduce the number of caesarean deliveries.

Point32Health chief medical officer Glenn Pomerantz said: “The statistics on maternal health outcomes in this country are well-reported, and we must do all we can to improve health care for expectant mothers.

“Creating a more equitable health system is one of our top priorities, and developing programmes focused on improving maternity care is integral to our overall strategy.

“Our ongoing work with Ariadne Labs allows us to address systemic inequities within the health care system, while also improving maternity care for all.”

Point32Health cited studies that show a rise in maternal mortality rates in the US, especially for Black and Native mothers.

Communication problems between healthcare providers and patients are reported to be the reason for preventable injuries during childbirth.

TeamBirth aims to address these issues by ensuring important information is shared during labour assessments, promoting safety and equity in childbirth.

In a clinical trial carried out by Ariadne Labs, TeamBirth reportedly received positive feedback from both healthcare providers and patients.

Ariadne Labs delivery decisions initiative director Amber Weiseth said: “All people deserve equitable access to a safe, dignified birth experience.

“We are thankful for the opportunity to collaborate with Point32Health, Perinatal-Neonatal Quality Improvement Collaborative of Massachusetts, Betsy Lehman Center, and our dedicated hospital partners to bring TeamBirth to more patients across Massachusetts.”