(APHP) Annual Report - Alberta Perinatal Health Program

2006-07 REPORT AND OUTLOOKView to the future…Over the next three years it is anticipated that the APHP will continue todevelop as a highly performing team and be positioned as the point of referencefor perinatal-related issues for health regions, Alberta Health and Wellness, andkey stakeholders. The Preconception Health Framework and the recommendationsin Consensus Statement developed at the conference on “Healthy Mothers -Health Babies: How to Prevent Low Birth Weight” will provide opportunities forbuilding collaborative relationships with more diverse provincial and nationalstakeholders. New companions to our work may include the Institute of HealthEconomics, the Conference Board of Canada, the Association of Women'sHealth, Obstetrical and Neonatal Nurses, and researchers. Increased involvementat provincial and national levels will influence program plans to addresspopulation health determinants and the full program scope.Education and ConsultationThe core business is to: provide learning opportunities and resources for health professionals,health regions, Alberta Health and Wellness (AHW) and otherstakeholders to achieve best perinatal practice.Through the APHP, Alberta health professionals can access up-to-dateknowledge and skills in neonatal resuscitation, stabilization and support of acutelyill infants, implementation of a new test to screen for preterm labour, care for themother and baby in the antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum periods andpatient safety in obstetrical care.2006-07 Highlights Introduced the new Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)curriculum to health professionals in all nine Alberta health regions.This initiative included providing instructor courses for both newinstructors and renewing instructors, and advising hospitals on thepurchase of newly recommended resuscitation program equipment. Piloted the ACoRN (Acute Care of the At-Risk Newborn) Programwith health professionals. This program provides health professionalswho work in rural and urban settings with the knowledge and skillsneeded to support a high-risk infant following resuscitation andbefore neonatal transport occurs. Developed educational materials for the Introduction of FetalFibronectin Testing (fFN) through the Education Standing Committee.Key partners included physicians and staff. AHW has recommendedthat all Alberta Health Regions offer fetal fibronectin testing (ascreening test for pre-term labour) no later than April 2008.Implemented the MORE OB Program (Managing Obstetrical RiskEfficiently Program) in 62 Alberta facilities, in partnership with thehealth regions and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists ofALBERTA PERINATAL HEALTH PROGRAM 2006-2007 ANNUAL REPORT 9