Year(s) Funded: 2020-2021
Topic(s): Health Disparities and Health Equity, Healthcare Access, Healthcare Financing, Hospitals and Clinics, Maternal Health, Quality, Women, Workforce
Project Lead: Katy Kozhimannil
The health of rural mothers and infants is a growing concern across the U.S. Access to care during pregnancy and childbirth is declining for rural residents, and both maternal and infant morbidity and mortality are higher for rural families compared to urban families. Both limited care access and poor outcomes among rural residents are cause for concern in the broad national context of rising rates of maternal morbidity and mortality and maternity care quality. This project aimed to address the nexus of these challenges: minimum standards for safe maternity care in rural communities.
Prior research and stakeholder input indicate that the main challenges rural hospitals face in providing services during pregnancy and childbirth can be categorized into four groups: local context, clinical safety, workforce, and financial. This project surveyed rural hospitals and systematically assessed minimum criteria present when providing obstetric services in these categories. It also explored potential policy options to ensure that financial and workforce constraints do not impede rural obstetric care access and that clinical safety is supported through policies and resources.
Related Publications
- An Enhanced Method for Identifying Hospital-Based Obstetric Unit Status, January 5th, 2022
- State and Regional Differences in Access to Hospital-Based Obstetric Services for Rural Residents, 2018, August 17th, 2021
- Characteristics of Rural and Urban U.S. Hospitals Based on Obstetric Services, April 12th, 2021
- Rural and Urban Hospital Characteristics by Obstetric Service Provision Status, 2010-2018, April 12th, 2021