UW’s WIND Helps Prepare Rural Wyoming Clinicians for High-Risk Obstetrical Emergencies

A new virtual medical education project developed by the University of Wyoming’s Wyoming Institute for Disabilities (WIND), in partnership with the Wyoming Primary Care Association, prepares health care providers for high-risk obstetrical emergencies in rural practice.

 

The Extension of Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) in Rural Obstetrical Care is a new statewide initiative that supports clinicians caring for pregnant patients in rural and frontier communities. Developed by WIND and funded by the Wyoming Primary Care Association, this virtual learning network provides monthly, case-based training focused on high-risk obstetrics and maternal health emergencies.

 

“In rural Wyoming, providers are often asked to be everything for their patients, especially during obstetric emergencies,” says Tai Baker, senior program manager of health for WIND. “This ECHO creates a space where clinicians don’t have to carry that responsibility alone. They can learn together, problem-solve in real time and strengthen the connections that ultimately save lives.”

Wyoming data shows maternal morbidity and mortality are impacted by mental health, substance use and barriers to timely emergency care -- challenges that are often magnified in rural settings. Through this ECHO project, clinicians gain practical strategies, skills and connections to better manage complex pregnancies, reduce risk and strengthen Wyoming’s maternal health workforce.

“Every birth matters, and this project will allow providers to connect for positive outcomes in Wyoming,” says Jen Davis, executive director of the Wyoming Primary Care Association.

Those encouraged to attend include family medicine providers who provide obstetric services; obstetricians and gynecologists; emergency room physicians; certified nurse-midwives; physician assistants; nurse practitioners and any clinician caring for pregnant patients in rural or resource-limited settings.

“Rural obstetric care requires a broad skill set, rapid decision-making and strong referral partnerships,” says Dr. Nathan Blue, a physician and associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at University of Utah Health, who also provides clinical services to Jackson and Rock Springs. “I’m excited to contribute to UW ECHO in Rural Obstetrical Care to support and expand the high-quality maternity care that Wyoming clinicians already provide to their patients every day.”

This network also intentionally creates space for obstetricians and gynecologists to participate alongside family medicine and emergency medicine providers. Including obstetrics perspectives helps build statewide trust, improve consultation patterns and foster the friendly face one can call when a case escalates.

“My hope is that, through the ECHO project, we can inspire others to support rural obstetrical/pediatric services to protect our moms and babes and keep our small towns vibrant,” says Dr. Regg Hagge, a family medicine provider offering obstetric services in Buffalo.

“As a state, we have a responsibility to work collaboratively to address evolving and complex health challenges,” says Canyon Hardesty, WIND’s associate director and the director of community education and training. “This work is central to WIND’s mission and our capacity-building efforts of bringing experts together to collaboratively address community engagement and training needs.”

“The launch of the ECHO in Rural Obstetrical Care is a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing Wyoming’s most pressing health care needs,” says Patrick Hardigan, dean of the College of Health Sciences. “I want to congratulate the Wyoming Institute for Disabilities and the Wyoming Primary Care Association on this vital partnership, which provides our rural clinicians with the advanced training and peer support necessary to manage high-risk maternal emergencies.

“This initiative reflects the University of Wyoming College of Health Sciences’ core mission to strengthen our health care workforce and bridge the distance between frontier communities and specialized expertise, ensuring safer outcomes for mothers and infants across the state,” Hardigan continues.

WIND, now in its 30th year of service to individuals and communities throughout Wyoming and beyond, offers a wide range of trainings for students, members of the public and working professionals.

To learn more about the UW ECHO in Rural Obstetrical Care network, go to www.uwyo.edu/wind/echo/rural-ob/index.html.