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News / Empowering Conversations: How the Ask Me 5 Campaign Benefits Missouri Providers and Patients 

Empowering Conversations: How the Ask Me 5 Campaign Benefits Missouri Providers and Patients 

Published Apr 17, 2025

In health care, communication is everything. When patients feel comfortable asking questions — and providers are equipped to answer them clearly and compassionately —the result is better care, stronger relationships and improved health outcomes. That’s the premise of the Ask Me 5 campaign, a new initiative from the Missouri PQC. 

What Is Ask Me 5? 

Ask Me 5 is a patient-centered campaign that addresses five critical areas (outlined in an easy-to-recall acronym HEART) and equips both providers and patients to have meaningful conversations that can save lives. The goal is to foster open, honest communication between patients and their providers, helping patients feel more informed and confident in their care decisions. 

The questions focus on the five main causes of maternal mortality in the state: 

  • High Blood Pressure: “Have you ever been told you have high blood pressure or preeclampsia?” 
  • Emotional and Mental Health: “How have you been feeling lately?” 
  • Access to Care: “Are there obstacles that make it difficult to attend appointments?” 
  • Recognizing Substance Use: “Can we discuss your experience with alcohol or drug use?” 
  • Trauma, Abuse and Safety: “Do you feel safe in your home, both emotionally and physically?” 

Simple, but powerful, these questions can transform the way patients engage in their health journey. 

Why It Matters in Missouri 

Missouri has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the nation, and 84% of pregnancy-related deaths in the state were deemed preventable.  

Ask Me 5 is designed to improve maternal health outcomes. 

For Patients: 

  • Increased Understanding: Patients often leave appointments confused or overwhelmed. The Ask Me 5 framework gives them a tool to get clarity on their health. 
  • Improved Confidence: By being encouraged to speak up, patients become more active participants in their care. 
  • Better Outcomes: When patients understand their treatment plans, they’re more likely to follow through — leading to better health outcomes over time. 

For Providers: 

  • Stronger Relationships: Providers who foster open dialogue build trust with their patients. 
  • More Efficient Visits: When patients come prepared to ask focused questions, it streamlines conversations and reduces follow-up confusion. 
  • Better Outcomes: Building trusting relationships with patients can help identify any hardships or barriers they may face to accessing care and help bridge any care gaps. 

How Missouri Providers Can Get Involved 

Whether you are part of a large health care system or a rural community clinic, Missouri health care organizations can adopt the Ask Me 5 campaign through a variety of tools. 

  • Download free resources, such as a guidance booklet, posters, reference cards and videos, to empower your teams with practical tools to integrate Ask Me 5 into their daily practice.  
  • Join us for a complimentary webinar on Tuesday, April 22, to learn more about the Ask Me 5 campaign and how to get started. 
  • Stay connected with the Missouri PQC to receive updates on the Ask Me 5 campaign and other maternal health updates by signing up for our weekly newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram. 

Maternal health care providers are working together to ensure that patients across Missouri know it’s OK — and encouraged — to ask questions about their care. 

A Culture of Care 

Ultimately, the Ask Me 5 campaign is about changing the culture of health care — making it more collaborative, more compassionate and more effective. In Missouri, where both providers and patients are looking for ways to improve communication and outcomes, we hope it’s a valuable step forward. 

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