Is Your Facility READI?

doulareadi

Transforming Hospital Culture for Equitable & Inclusive Maternity Care

By fostering collaboration between healthcare providers and doulas, DoulaREADI aims to create inclusive, patient-centered hospital environments that improve maternal and infant health outcomes.

The 5 Key Components of DoulaREADI are:

R

Responsive

Meeting the Needs of Patients and Support Persons

Healthcare systems must prioritize responsiveness to patients and their designated support persons. Patients often feel unheard when voicing concerns about their experiences. To address this, systems will have a designated point of contact to escalate issues and implement effective mitigation processes, ensuring patients and families feel valued and supported.

E

Education

Promoting Knowledge Across the Care Team

Education should be readily available and emphasized for all care team members, including obstetricians, nurses, case managers, social workers, and other key professionals. Training will focus on understanding the doula’s scope of work, pathways for referring patients to doula care, and best practices for integration and interprofessional collaboration within the care team.

A

Accessible

Ensuring Seamless Doula and Patient Interaction

Healthcare systems must prioritize accessibility to create an environment where patients and doulas can connect effortlessly throughout the hospital stay. Doulas should be empowered to provide continuous care, including implementing the patient’s preferred nonpharmacological comfort techniques effectively and without unnecessary barriers.

D

Dynamic

Creating Adaptable and Supportive Environments

A dynamic approach encourages healthcare systems to adapt to the unique needs of patients and support persons while fostering environments that support inclusivity and equity. Flexibility in policies and practices ensures care is patient-centered, respectful, and reflective of diverse perspectives.

I

Information Sharing

Encouraging Collaboration for Holistic Care

Systems will foster a culture of open communication and collaboration within the care team. Encouraging the exchange of vital information ensures a holistic approach to patient care, improving outcomes through teamwork and shared decision-making.

By fostering collaboration between healthcare providers and doulas, DoulaREADI aims to create inclusive, patient-centered hospital environments that improve maternal and infant health outcomes.

Start the Initial Assessment

Why Should Your Facility Seek Accreditation?

Doula-integrated care has consistently shown positive outcomes for both patients and healthcare providers.

By becoming a DoulaREADI-accredited facility, your hospital has the potential to:

Improve Patient Outcomes

Reduce cesarean rates
Shorten labor durations
Decrease pain medication use
Increase breastfeeding initiation rates

Enhance Patient Satisfaction

Foster positive birthing experiences
Build trust between patients and providers
Improve communication and collaboration

Reduce Healthcare Costs

Shorten hospital stays
Minimize complications related to medical interventions

How It Works

The DoulaREADI accreditation process is a four-phase journey designed to help hospitals integrate doulas into their maternity care model.

By following these phases, your hospital can achieve DoulaREADI accreditation and elevate its maternity care services.

phase one

Discovery

Initial assessment of your hospital's readiness for doula integration

phase two

Development

Creation of a customized action plan

phase three

Dissemination

Implementation of the action plan, including training and policy updates

phase four

Designation

Final evaluation and accreditation

Are You READI To Get Started?

Start the Initial Assessment

inquire about additional resources

Resources

DoulaREADI TOOLKIT

Initial Self-Assessment of DoulaREADIness

NJHCQI Best Practices Document

Latest Research on Hospital & Doula Collaboration

Doula Collaboration

Still have questions? Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about the program.

How long does the accreditation process take?

The DoulaREADI program is a four-phase process typically taking 12-18 months to complete. However, this timeline does not include the turnaround time for contracting and can vary depending on factors such as the organization's capacity and how efficiently the hospital streamlines approvals.

What support does HealthConnect One provide during the program?

HealthConnect One provides comprehensive support throughout your DoulaREADI journey. This includes dedicated guidance from a program manager, access to the Brightspace Learning Management System with valuable resources and training materials, on-site visits and regular technical assistance, and assistance in connecting with local doula organizations to foster valuable partnerships within your community.

Can we customize the DoulaREADI program to fit our hospital's needs?

DoulaREADI offers a comprehensive accreditation program and a suite of standalone training opportunities to support hospitals to integrate doulas seamlessly into the care team and improve maternal and child health outcomes.

What standalone training offerings are available?

Choose from a range of options, even if you are not pursuing full accreditation.

Core Trainings: Doula Competency Training for RNs. OBs, & Midwives, and Doula 101 (for non-clinicians)
Specialized Training: Non-pharmacological Comfort Measures & Pain Management
Hospital Policy development
Clinician Round tables to foster dialogue and teamwork between doulas and hospital staff

How can we ensure staff buy-in for the DoulaREADI program?

The DoulaREADI program prioritizes staff education and training, offering CNE/CME credits to incentivize participation. By actively involving staff in program development and addressing their concerns, hospitals can foster strong staff buy-in and ensure successful implementation.

How can we measure the success of the DoulaREADI program in our hospital?

The program encourages collecting patient and doula feedback to monitor progress and identify areas for improvement.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Send us an email at READI@healthconnectone.org

Medicaid Doula Coverage by State: Expanding Doula Access in Hospitals

As of January 2025

Oregon

California

Arizona

New Mexico

Nevada

Wyoming

South Dakota

Minnesota

Michigan

Ohio

Pennsylvania

Virginia

Maryland

Delaware

New York

Conneticut

Rhode Island

Massachusetts

New Hampshire

New Jersey

Colorado

Kansas

Missouri

Illinois

Oklahoma

Arkansas

Tennessee

Florida

States with Approved Medicaid Coverage of Doula Support

States with Pending Legislation for Medicaid Coverage of Doula Support

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