Quality Questions. Quality Care.
Missouri Faces a Maternal Health Crisis
WHAT WE KNOW:
Missouri has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country, with 84% of pregnancy-related deaths deemed preventable.
WHAT WE CAN DO:
Providers don’t need another screening tool. What you need is a practical, effective framework that fits into your existing workflow, building trust and fostering conversations with patients.
A Different Approach
3 minutes up front, can save 3 weeks or ultimately – a life – down the road.
Whether you're a nurse, community health worker, physician, or front line staff, we know you're dealing with limited time, packed schedules and complex patient needs.
Ask Me 5 isn't a screening tool — it's a framework for making every minute count.
Ask Me 5 isn't just another checklist. It's a framework centered on building trust and improving outcomes through meaningful conversations that fit into your existing workflow.
Evidence-Based Framework
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Focus on building trust
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Start conversations naturally, not clinically
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Address interconnected health concerns efficiently
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Turn brief interactions into meaningful support
Master Ask Me 5
Quality Questions. Quality Care.
The Question:
“Have you ever been told you have high blood pressure or preeclampsia?”
- Ask about family history.
- Discuss symptoms.
- Review medications.
The Question:
“How have you been feeling lately?”
- “Are you experiencing stress, loneliness, or anxiety?”
- If the patient focuses on physical symptoms, gently guide them back to emotional well-being.
- Ask about sleep and support.
- Listen for concerning patterns.
The Question:
“Are there obstacles that make it difficult to attend appointments?”
- Transportation
- Child care
- Cost concerns
The Question:
“Can we discuss your experience with alcohol or drug use?”
- Ask everyone (check bias at door).
- Use non-stigmatizing language.
- Focus on support.
- Emphasize care over judgment.
The Question:
“Do you feel safe in your home, both emotionally and physically?”
- Create safe space.
- Listen without judgment.
- Have resources ready.
Upcoming Events
Resources
Empower your team with practical tools to integrate Ask Me 5 into daily practice. These resources not only support implementation but also share the vision, highlight why it matters and equip providers to make an impact where it counts.
- Provider Guidance Booklet: Guidance for clinic managers and health care teams.
Download Booklet - Provider Posters: A quick-reference tool listing the five key questions for providers.
Download Posters - Reference Cards: Pocket-sized scripts to guide essential patient conversations.
Download Reference Cards - Video Training: A comprehensive video training of the Ask Me 5 framework.
Access Video
Download these free tools and start making a difference today.
Are you a passionate advocate ready to help make Missouri a leader in maternal health? Ask Me 5 webinars and trainings provide the tools and confidence to create meaningful change.
- Learn how to integrate Ask Me 5 into daily practice.
- Confidently ask the five crucial questions.
- Build trust and improve patient-provider communication.
- Navigate sensitive topics with clarity and compassion.
Whether you’re ready to sign up for the April webinar or want to stay informed about future trainings, connect with our team to take the next step.
Email our team for details and registration.
Committed to improving maternal health in Missouri? Be the first to hear about opportunities to get involved, upcoming trainings, new resources and ways to make an impact.
Sign up for the MO PQC’s weekly newsletter, the PQC Pulse, for updates on the Ask Me 5 campaign, upcoming events and other maternal health updates.
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