HOLMAN: MOMS: Maternal Health Care Experiences and Patient Care Study

2023

Understanding rural patients' experience of maternal health care during the perinatal period is important to determining whether current service provision improves desired health outcomes pursuant to the World Health Organization's (WHO) Standards for Improving Quality of Maternal and Newborn Care; more specifically, whether the services are safe, effective, timely, efficient, and equitable, and people-centered. According to the WHO, high-quality maternal care experiences promote patient autonomy, respect, dignity, emotional support, and patient-led informed decision-making. Currently, very few studies examine rural patients' experiences of perinatal care. With the nation's sixth-highest maternal mortality rate, this study aims to gather patient perspectives on facilitators and barriers to high-quality maternal health care in rural Montana. The Montana Obstetrics and Maternal Support (MOMS) Program research team at the University of Montana Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities is conducting a brief survey to assess patient experiences in Montana during the perinatal period related to prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care. The survey focuses on rural maternity experiences, decision-making, the nature of respectful patient-provider interactions, and perceptions of racism or discrimination. The study results will contribute to the literature and general knowledge to improve access to high-quality and equitable perinatal care services for all pregnant people in Montana and similar rural states. The results will also inform future MOMS program activities/priorities.

Maternal health; patient care; perinatal period; rural; patient perspective

Performing Research or Evaluation

Health-Related Activities

Professionals and Para-Professionals, Legislators/Policy Makers

None

State

N/A