Patient Experiences of Respectful Care in Montana’s Maternal Health System
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Category
Social Sciences/Humanities
Abstract/Artist Statement
Purpose:
The purpose of our study was to collect information on patients’ experiences interacting with the maternal healthcare system before, during, and after pregnancy.
Methods:
The Maternal Healthcare Experiences Study included a statewide survey. We used two patient-informed, valid, and reliable scales, the Mothers on Respect Index and the Mothers Autonomy in Decision Making Scale. We added additional items to collect information on patient sociodemographic attributes (race/ethnicity, education level, income), social risk, prepregnancy wellness visits, and birth location (home, hospital, birth center). We measured social risk with the Health Leads Social Screening Tool. The UM IRB approved this study under protocol # 120-22. Data collection occurred from July 26, 2022 – October 15, 2022. The study included 484 Montanans who had been pregnant in the last five years. We used convenience and purposive sampling methods and recruited participants through social media platforms, Facebook and Instagram.
Originality:
Historically, maternal healthcare has focused primarily on clinical outcomes with little emphasis on patient experiences. Interactions with care providers significantly impact a patient’s pregnancy and childbirth experiences. Negative experiences can influence future health-seeking behaviors and have long-term adverse impacts. Gathering information on patient experiences can drive quality improvement initiatives at healthcare organizations aimed at respectful patient-provider interactions and broader health-system reform.
Significance:
The United States has high rates of maternal morbidity and mortality, with significant disparities across socially marginalized populations. Pregnancy marks a critical period for a person’s health, and disrespectful treatment can cause mental and emotional harm that extends beyond birth. Little information exists on patient maternal healthcare experiences in Montana. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap and inform the provision of respectful maternal care in the state.
Mentor Name
Annie Glover
Patient Experiences of Respectful Care in Montana’s Maternal Health System
UC 333
Purpose:
The purpose of our study was to collect information on patients’ experiences interacting with the maternal healthcare system before, during, and after pregnancy.
Methods:
The Maternal Healthcare Experiences Study included a statewide survey. We used two patient-informed, valid, and reliable scales, the Mothers on Respect Index and the Mothers Autonomy in Decision Making Scale. We added additional items to collect information on patient sociodemographic attributes (race/ethnicity, education level, income), social risk, prepregnancy wellness visits, and birth location (home, hospital, birth center). We measured social risk with the Health Leads Social Screening Tool. The UM IRB approved this study under protocol # 120-22. Data collection occurred from July 26, 2022 – October 15, 2022. The study included 484 Montanans who had been pregnant in the last five years. We used convenience and purposive sampling methods and recruited participants through social media platforms, Facebook and Instagram.
Originality:
Historically, maternal healthcare has focused primarily on clinical outcomes with little emphasis on patient experiences. Interactions with care providers significantly impact a patient’s pregnancy and childbirth experiences. Negative experiences can influence future health-seeking behaviors and have long-term adverse impacts. Gathering information on patient experiences can drive quality improvement initiatives at healthcare organizations aimed at respectful patient-provider interactions and broader health-system reform.
Significance:
The United States has high rates of maternal morbidity and mortality, with significant disparities across socially marginalized populations. Pregnancy marks a critical period for a person’s health, and disrespectful treatment can cause mental and emotional harm that extends beyond birth. Little information exists on patient maternal healthcare experiences in Montana. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap and inform the provision of respectful maternal care in the state.