Maternal Perspectives and Attitudes Toward Birthing Facility Closures and Care Accessibility – Porter Novelli (PN) View Moms, United States, June 6–17, 2024
- Presentation Day/Time: Thursday, April 23, 9:05 AM
- Presenter: Rachel Castillo, MPH, BSN, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Reproductive Health
The Issue
- The U.S. has the highest rate of maternal mortality among high-income countries. Access to routine and emergency obstetric care facilities is critical to improve maternal and fetal outcomes.
What We Did
- This study assesses mothers' views on obstetric facility closures and the importance of healthcare provider communication about emergency obstetric care.
What We Found
- While 74% of mothers surveyed have a birthing center or hospital that delivers babies less than 30 minutes away from their home, 19% reported the closure of a nearby facility in the past five years, 52% viewed closures as a moderate or serious problem for receiving care, and 48% indicated that if a nearby birthing facility closed or was inaccessible, they would not—or were unsure if they would—have access to another facility offering comparable or better care. Most respondents (67%) said healthcare providers should discuss where to go for emergency care, and 68% believed they should inform patients about signs and symptoms that require emergency obstetric care.
What This Means
- Closures of birthing centers pose a challenge for women, as their access to routine and emergency care is decreased. These findings also highlight the need for improved, tailored communication from providers about where to go for emergency care and signs and symptoms that might require emergency care.
