TeamBirth, Communication, and Physician Associates: Reducing U.S. Maternal Mortality and Advancing Racial Equity

Authors

• Kay C. Jaramillo-Gibbs, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Abstract

TeamBirth, Communication, and Physician Associates:

Reducing U.S. Maternal Mortality and Advancing Racial Equity

ABSTRACT

While the United States faces a maternal mortality crisis, the disparity for Black women, 49.5 deaths per 100,000 live births, is particularly acute. These outcomes are often driven by fragmented communication. Miscommunication creates a disjointed care experience where crucial warning signs are missed, interventions are delayed, and patients—especially Black women, who already face systemic biases—are left vulnerable to increased morbidity and mortality. TeamBirth, a clinical model centering on shared decision-making and structured huddles, aims to narrow these gaps. However, while advanced care providers (ACPs)—a group that includes physician associates (PAs)—are key to this model, the specific contributions of PAs remain under-researched despite their growing presence in the Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN) workforce.

This review synthesized twenty-two articles from PubMed and Google Scholar, evaluating communication failures and systematic care models to highlight the untapped potential of PAs within these frameworks and advocate for robust research into their impact on maternal outcomes. Optimizing the PA role within models like TeamBirth offers a direct pathway to reducing maternal morbidity. As OB/GYN residents move away from generalist practice, PAs are becoming a pillar of obstetrical care. Investigating their specific impact is not simply a workforce strategy—it is a clinical necessity for improving patient safety and closing the nationwide mortality gap.

Keywords: maternal mortality, patient-centered care model, Black maternal mortality, physician associates/assistants, TeamBirth, interdisciplinary teams, communication, patient safety, Advanced Care Providers, OB/GYN.

Recommended Citation

Jaramillo-Gibbs KC. TeamBirth, Communication, and Physician Associates: Reducing U.S. Maternal Mortality and Advancing Racial Equity. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2026; 8(1).