The SHALON Blueprint
TM
Transforming Maternal Healthcare with Equity & Compassion
In 2023, Black women in the U.S. died from pregnancy-related causes at a rate of 50.3 per 100,000 live births—over three times higher than the rate for white women (14.5) .
This disparity persists regardless of income or education level. Research shows that Black women with college degrees are still more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women without high school diplomas. This points to systemic issues, including racism and bias in healthcare, as key contributors to these preventable deaths.
These disparities persist regardless of socioeconomic status; Black women with a college degree experience significantly higher rates of pregnancy-related mortality than white women with similar or even lower educational attainment.
A significant contributor to these adverse outcomes is bias within healthcare settings. Bias encompasses the attitudes and stereotypes that influence our understanding, actions, and decisions, either consciously (explicit bias) or unconsciously (implicit bias). Implicit bias is particularly insidious in healthcare, as it can lead to unintended discrimination, affecting clinical assessments, decision-making, and patient-provider relationships.
The presence of bias within healthcare settings significantly contributes to these adverse outcomes. Bias refers to the attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions unconsciously or consciously.
Explicit bias involves conscious attitudes and beliefs about a person or group, while implicit bias refers to the unconscious associations and feelings that influence our perceptions and actions.
Implicit bias is particularly insidious in healthcare, as it can lead to unintentional discrimination, affecting clinical assessments, decision-making, and patient-provider relationships.
Addressing these biases is crucial for improving maternal health outcomes among Black women. The SHALON Blueprint offers a comprehensive framework to eliminate racial disparities in maternal healthcare through interdisciplinary collaboration, cultural competence, and systemic change. By equipping healthcare providers, policymakers, and community leaders with the necessary tools, the SHALON Blueprint strives to create equitable, person-centered maternal care experiences for Black women and birthing people.
What is the SHALON Blueprint™?
The SHALON Blueprint™ is a mnemonic designed to transform and humanize clinical interactions, fostering trust, dignity, and equity in maternal care. Each letter represents a core principle:The SHALON BlueprintResearchGate+7The SHALON Blueprint+7Institute for Medicaid Innovation+7
S — See Her: Recognize each patient's individuality and unique needs.
H — Hear Her: Actively listen and validate her concerns to build trust.
A — Acknowledge Her: Respect her autonomy, decisions, and lived experiences.
L — Learn Her Story: Understand her cultural and personal background to provide informed care.
O — Own Your Bias: Reflect on and address implicit and explicit biases.
N — Never Forget Your Oath: Uphold the commitment to 'do no harm' and deliver ethical, compassionate care. Institute for Medicaid InnovationThe SHALON Blueprint+3Studocu+3ResearchGate+3
Together, these six pillars provide a structured approach for creating equitable and patient-centered maternal healthcare experiences.The SHALON Blueprint
🛠️ Core Components
Mastering the Six Pillars: Implement practical strategies to identify, address, and dismantle bias in maternal healthcare.
Exploring Real-World Case Studies: Examine systemic inequities in maternal health and their root causes.
Building Confidence Through Practice: Engage in interactive exercises to recognize and respond to bias with empathy and clarity. The SHALON Blueprint
🤝 Join the Movement
The SHALON Blueprint™ is more than a framework; it is a call to action. Healthcare professionals, community leaders, policymakers, and advocates are invited to be part of this transformative journey. We can dismantle barriers, amplify voices, and create a future where maternal healthcare is just, equitable, and empowering for all. The SHALON Blueprint
For more information or to get involved, visit The SHALON Blueprint™.
Why the SHALON Blueprint?
The SHALON Blueprint provides a structured, actionable approach to mitigating bias and improving maternal health outcomes by fostering a culture of respect, listening, and accountability in clinical settings.
Join the Movement
The SHALON Blueprint is more than a framework; it is a call to action. Healthcare professionals, community leaders, policymakers, and advocates are invited to be part of this transformative journey. Together, we can dismantle barriers, amplify voices, and create a future where maternal healthcare is just, equitable, and empowering for all.
