Abstract

Improved pregnancy outcomes and maternal health remain public health priorities worldwide and are included in both the United Nations Millennium Development Goals and Healthy People 2020. Of the developed countries, the United States ranks 28th in infant mortality despite having the highest per capita healthcare expenditure. Addressing known risk factors with the goal of optimizing maternal and child health can be achieved through well-designed preconception care. The authors suggest that if the highest per capita health expenditure results in a worldwide rank of 28, then there is a need to consider the design of the system; specifically, to re-imagine the design and delivery of preconception care to focus on reducing infant and maternal health risk factors. Our study discusses the major modifiable preconception risk factors contributing to adverse birth outcomes, racial and socioeconomic disparities and the role strategic design can play in developing comprehensive risk-reduction interventions. This study explores the potential of strategic design thinking and design management, not only to improve adverse pregnancy outcomes and reduce birth defects, but also to provide the additional benefits of engaging families and communities in improving long-term health outcomes that can improve the productivity of their families and communities.