This past fall, the Indiana chapter of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) hosted a public competition intended to uncover new ways to improve health outcomes for Indiana mothers and infants. In support of Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb’s OB Navigator program, competitors in the Healthy Mom + Baby Datapalooza were challenged to create a data analysis or visualization solution using de-identified datasets on maternal health and infant mortality. With phase one complete, phase two, the innovation competition, is now underway. We encourage everyone to join the fight in lowering infant mortality rates while we strive to support and empower, not only parents but families and the community as well.
Help us reduce the rate of infant mortality
Parkview Health, in collaboration with MATTER, is proud to present the Healthy Mom and Baby Innovation Competition. We are seeking product software and program solutions that have the promise and potential of reducing the incidence of infant mortality. The competition will have two focus areas:
- How might we better support mom, prior to the birth of her child, by enhancing maternal health and resilience, providing seamless access to care, expert advice, education and better aligning her with both the clinical resources and social support needed to ensure a healthy pregnancy?
- How might we better support baby shortly after birth, by ensuring access to key nutritional supplements, safe sleep and stable support structures and environments?
Our focus
While there have been great improvements in medical treatment options for maternal and infant care over the past 30 years, infant mortality continues to be a challenge both in developed and developing regions of the world.
According to the World Health Organization and Footprints Fort Wayne, the infant mortality rate (IMR) in the United States is approximately 5.9 deaths per 1,000 live infant births. In Allen County and Northeast Indiana, where Parkview is based, the IMR was 7.3 in 2017, much higher than the state and national average. These alarming numbers are a call to action for both Parkview and the state of Indiana.
In order to address the maternal health relation to infant mortality, Parkview is seeking solutions focused on, but not limited to, the following:
- Chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes
- Accessibility to providers and medication
- Community support
- Education
- Mental and physical health
- Birth spacing
When addressing infant health, Parkview is seeking solutions focused on, but not limited to, these areas:
- Breastfeeding education and support
- Safe sleep
As the infant mortality rates continue to be a challenge, Parkview is proud to be partnering with so many organizations including the Indiana Chapter of HIMSS and the Management Performance Hub for this innovation competition.
Our goal
In our collaboration with MATTER, Parkview Health hopes to explore, source and pilot digital and device-enabled solutions or services that address one or a combination of the competition’s focus. The competition is open to existing startups, students and anyone with an innovative idea for a product, solution or service that is within the competition’s scope.
How to apply
If you are a motivated innovator, entrepreneur, healthcare professional, student or simply want to join the fight, applications will be accepted until Friday, April 10th at 11:59 p.m. EST. All submissions will be accepted and reviewed by Submittable and all applications will be considered. If you’re interested in joining the competition, please apply here.
Dates and milestones to remember
- Application Period – Feb 4 – Apr 10, 2020
Apply with a detailed description of your proposed solution.
- Selection Semi-Finalists – April 11 – April 17, 2020
5-7 teams will be selected.
- Innovation Competition – June 1, 2020
The 5-7 semi-finalist teams will present their solutions to the Parkview selection committee. The winner will receive a $10,000 cash prize. Up to 5 teams will be selected as finalists to advance to the accelerator supported by MATTER and Parkview representatives for the chance to further co-develop their solution.
- Accelerator – Jun 1 – Aug 31, 2020
Up to 5 finalist teams will develop and refine their concepts in a 3-month virtual accelerator where they will build and test their solution with Management Performance Hub mentors, MATTER and Parkview staff and stakeholders from across the healthcare community.
- Final Pitch Day – Sept 17, 2020
Finalist teams will present to a community of healthcare professionals, Parkview leaders, and outside investors to pitch their ideas for potential pilot opportunities and funding. All teams participating in the final pitch day will receive a one-year global membership to MATTER.
