July 22, 2025 | LITTLE ROCK — Digital health care, such as virtual doctor’s appointments, could fill gaps in care services for postpartum mothers and help their doctors identify critical needs earlier, according to researchers at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Institute for Community Health Innovation.
In a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Global Report, researchers reported that postpartum mothers receiving digital health services experienced higher rates of screenings for cigarette smoking, emotional and physical abuse, and postpartum depression. More than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable, and more than half occur between seven days and one year after delivery. Suicide, homicide and substance use are the leading causes of pregnancy-associated deaths.
“Virtual postpartum care can play a powerful role in expanding access to important services, especially those related to sensitive topics like mental health, intimate partner violence or substance use,” said Don Willis, Ph.D., a researcher at the institute. “By removing barriers like transportation and childcare, virtual visits can help new parents in Arkansas receive the care they need and even influence what gets prioritized during those critical postpartum checkups.”
While postpartum care often consists of only one visit between four and six weeks after delivery, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends “approaching postpartum care as a continuum, beginning with clinician contact within three weeks of delivery, a comprehensive visit by 12 weeks after delivery, and a transition to ongoing well-woman care.”
The institute oversees numerous projects to improve access to maternal health care across Arkansas, particularly in maternal health deserts. Institute-led programs such as Healthy Start and group prenatal care provide home visits, case management and education services to new and existing mothers, while institute researchers study the impact of unique interventions such as remote monitoring and food delivery programs for pregnant women.
“We are committed to closing gaps in postpartum care in Arkansas by testing innovative, patient-centered approaches like remote monitoring, food-as-medicine initiatives and client-focused care,” said Pearl McElfish, Ph.D., director of the institute. “By focusing on underserved and rural populations, we aim to identify care models that are both effective and can ensure that all new mothers receive timely, high-quality support during a vulnerable period.”
To learn more about the institute’s work to improve maternal health in Arkansas, visit communityhealth.uams.edu.
UAMS is the state’s only health sciences university, with colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Health Professions and Public Health; a graduate school; a hospital; a main campus in Little Rock; a Northwest Arkansas regional campus in Fayetteville; a statewide network of regional campuses; and eight institutes: the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, Jackson T. Stephens Spine & Neurosciences Institute, Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute, Psychiatric Research Institute, Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging, Translational Research Institute, Institute for Digital Health & Innovation and the Institute for Community Health Innovation. UAMS includes UAMS Health, a statewide health system that encompasses all of UAMS’ clinical enterprise. UAMS is the only adult Level 1 trauma center in the state. UAMS has 3,485 students, 915 medical residents and fellows, and seven dental residents. It is the state’s largest public employer with more than 11,000 employees, including 1,200 physicians who provide care to patients at UAMS, its regional campuses, Arkansas Children’s, the VA Medical Center and Baptist Health. Visit www.uams.edu or uamshealth.com. Find us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube or Instagram.
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