The Problem
Nebraska, like the nation, has been facing a maternal health crisis. Nebraska ranks 17th worst in the nation for maternal mortality, with rates higher than the national average. More than 85% of pregnancy-related deaths are deemed preventable.
To improve the quality of maternity care, healthcare systems can support care that is respectful and considers the patient's values, needs, and desires (patient-centered care) equally for all mothers. Maternity care providers can ensure patients are engaged in their health care and feel heard and respected.
Respectful Maternity Care:
- Maintains dignity, privacy, autonomy, and confidentiality
- Ensures freedom from harm and mistreatment
- Allows for shared decision-making and continuous support during labor and childbirth
- Upholds provider accountability and provision for informed consent
Initiative Aim
By December 2026, 100% of participating hospitals will have all Key Strategies in place to promote respectful, dignified, and safe patient-centered care for all maternal patients.
Developed with Intentionality
NPQIC began conceptualizing the Respectful Care Initiative in 2021. Community partners, clinical leaders, and patient voices provided crucial input for key strategies and resource development. In 2023, 7 Nebraska hospitals implemented Respectful Care. In 2024, an additional 23 hospitals joined the initiative. In 2026, NPQIC created the Respectful Care Sprint, a simplified version of the larger initiative packaged specifically to support hospital teams with lower capacity.
Thank you to the Iowa Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative and the South Dakota Perinatal Quality Collaborative for working with us to develop this initiative for clinical teams across state lines. Most notably, we thank our Indigenous communities, who continually help us understand the birth experiences of their relatives who deliver in and outside of Nebraska, which sparked this tri-state collaboration.
Toolkit
START HERE: Full Sprint Toolkit
Quick Links
- Respectful Care Practices Poster (English)
- Respectful Care Practices Poster (Spanish)
- Respectful Care Handout (English)
- Respectful Care Handout (Spanish)
- Respectful Care Handout (Arabic)
- Respectful Care Handout (Karen)
- Respectful Care Sign-Off
- NPQIC Patient and Community Engagement
Patient Engagement Worksheets
Respectful Care Initiative Fact Sheet
A mother holding and smiling at her baby
