Research Project
Multi-Level Framework for Resilience- and Trauma-Informed Care Implementation in Prenatal Care
Background: Maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs, e.g., abuse, neglect, household dysfunction, community-level violence) are an important root cause of health and social problems and can increase risk for mental and physical health problems during the perinatal period. Women from marginalized groups are disproportionately exposed to ACEs and other structural inequities, such as segregation, poverty, crime, and violence, and reduced access to healthy foods and heath care. Objective: This proposal explores feasibility and acceptability of a resilience- and trauma-informed care (RTIC) approach to prenatal care among under-resourced pregnant women by gathering stakeholder perspectives to guide development and implementation of RTIC in community health centers...
- Principal Investigator
- Goldstein, Ellen
- Start Date
- 2024-05-15
- End Date
- 2025-11-15
- Funding Source
- Internal Research Support Program
Abstract
Background: Maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs, e.g., abuse, neglect, household dysfunction, community-level violence) are an important root cause of health and social problems and can increase risk for mental and physical health problems during the perinatal period. Women from marginalized groups are disproportionately exposed to ACEs and other structural inequities, such as segregation, poverty, crime, and violence, and reduced access to healthy foods and heath care. Objective: This proposal explores feasibility and acceptability of a resilience- and trauma-informed care (RTIC) approach to prenatal care among under-resourced pregnant women by gathering stakeholder perspectives to guide development and implementation of RTIC in community health centers. Methods: We will conduct semi-structured, in-depth interviews and focus groups using purposive sampling to recruit prenatal patients, prenatal providers, and health care leaders, to explore RTIC components and identify barriers and facilitators of incorporating RTIC into prenatal services at Mile Square Health Center. The varied key stakeholder groups will provide perspectives on important factors for implementation. Results: Results will illuminate best practices, perceived gaps in provider knowledge and practice, and barriers to care related to providing RTIC for pregnant women. The synthesized data will be presented to our implementation resource team, and together, we will develop strategies to address barriers, leverage facilitators, and finalize the RTIC model components. From these findings, we will develop recommendations for clinicians and administrators that guide implementation of RTIC in prenatal care. Conclusion: This research has the potential to improve care by establishing a feasible RTIC model in prenatal care to advance maternal health and health equity for pregnant women. Data and experience from this study are critical for the next phase of external funding to create an evidence-base for RTIC to advance maternal and child health.