Lora Sparkman

VP, Partner, Clinical Solutions, Patient Safety & Quality, Relias

Lora Sparkman, MHA, BSN, RN, is a clinical effectiveness consultant for Relias. She provides internal and external consulting, thought leadership, and strategic guidance on the use and optimization of Relias clinical solutions related to improving patient safety and creating high reliability in some of the highest risk areas in healthcare: Obstetrics and Emergency Department as well as other clinical areas with the acute care setting. Prior to Relias, Sparkman worked for Ascension as a director of clinical excellence. In her role, she had the opportunity to work with clinical leaders and innovators from across the country in improving the delivery of care, demonstrating results in patient outcomes, and reducing the cost of risk. Sparkman is a registered nurse, holds a Master of Health Administration from Lindenwood University, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Missouri, and a Diploma in Nursing from Barnes Hospital School of Nursing.

Posts by Lora Sparkman

pregnant woman sits on hospital bed

The Silent Rise of Maternal Sepsis

With sepsis-related maternal mortality on the rise, healthcare leaders are pressed to improve education and training for labor and delivery teams.

patient prepares for C-section in OR.

Why Reducing C-Sections Is a Priority for Moms and Providers

Compared to vaginal birth, C-sections result in higher instances of maternal mortality, longer hospital stays, and excessive bleeding. Despite these risks, C-sections have continued to increase in popularity among patients — even when the procedure isn’t medically necessary.

Mom holds her newborn baby to promote healthy pregnancies and safe deliveries.

What the New HHS Action Plan Offers Moms and Babies

The Department of Health and Human Services’ new action plan aims to make maternal mortality a “never event.” Here are key takeaways for stakeholders to consider.

Reducing Maternal Death

Reducing Maternal Mortality: Steps To Improve Outcomes

Pregnancy-related deaths continue to rise across the U.S. Reducing this requires a holistic, evidence-based approach to maternal healthcare. Find out some of the steps you can take.

Shoulder dystocia

Nursing Maneuvers for Shoulder Dystocia

Several primary and secondary shoulder dystocia maneuvers help nurses facilitate safe deliveries for mothers and children.

Maternal Mortality

Documentation and Risk Management for Shoulder Dystocia Claims

Predicting and preventing shoulder dystocia during labor is extremely difficult, but proactive risk management and thorough documentation can help protect mothers and practitioners.

preeclampsia awareness

Solving for the Unknown: Preeclampsia Awareness

Every May, the healthcare industry recognizes the nation’s maternal mortality crisis, specifically related to preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome and related hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Dobbs decision impact

The Undeniable Link Between Obstetric Hemorrhage and Maternal Mortality

Despite being largely preventable and most often treatable, obstetric hemorrhage is still recognized as the most common serious complication of childbirth in the U.S. This blog looks at what is being done to change this.

High Reliability in Obstetrics

4 Tools for Improvement on the Journey to High Reliability in Obstetrics

As obstetrics claims continue to be prevalent across the nation, understanding the basic tenets of a high reliability unit is paramount to affect positive change. Here are four tools to help you along your journey.

doctor and nurse discussing

Take Two: A Nurse’s and Physician’s Perspectives on Getting Docs to Buy-In

To truly impact patient safety through large-scale change, physician support and adoption is usually a good place to start.

doctor touching pregnant belly

Let’s Talk: Q&A Highlights from OB Panel on New Maternal Safety Standards

Highlights from our Q&A session titled, “July 2020 New Joint Commission Maternal Safety Standards: How Prepared Are You?.”

doctor examining pregnant woman's belly

New 2020 Maternal Mortality Framework & Standards

Effective July 2020, Joint Commission-accredited hospitals must prove they meet new requirements for quality of care in maternal health. Are you prepared?

medical staff meeting in hospital

Is High Reliability Here to Stay? Why It’s a “Yes”

High reliability is the foundational core tenet of healthcare from the Hippocratic Oath to nearly every hospitals’ mission statement in one phrase or another.

group prepping for sugery

The Enemy of Quality: 3 Simple Steps to Reduce Clinical Variation

To identify opportunities in clinical variation, organizations can work towards taking these 3 simple steps to reduce clinical variation.

doctors and nurses reviewing a chart

Where You Need to Focus Risk Management Efforts

In any organization, risk management is necessary—however, risk management within the healthcare industry takes on a whole new meaning.

Maternal Mortality Must Be Addressed and Variation in Care Is at the Root of the Problem

The U.S. has the highest maternal death rate (and rising) among the world’s developed nations, while the death rate has been stable or falling in other developed countries.

7 Steps That Can Save Mothers’ Lives Now

Currently, the U.S. ranks 47th out of 183 countries in maternal mortality. These are seven steps your hospital can practice beginning today to reduce complications of obstetrical hemorrhage.

Celebrating Patient Safety Awareness Week

For organizations like the National Patient Safety Foundation, improving the quality of patient care is top of mind every day.