Improving prenatal education and cultural understanding between clinicians and Somali immigrants: A multi-faceted approach

Background:

Delivering safe, patient-centered prenatal care to Somali immigrant women can be challenged by the discordance between their beliefs and knowledge, and realities of Western medicine. Lack of cultural understanding by healthcare providers can provide an additional barrier to sensitive obstetric care.

Objectives:

To improve Somali women's understanding of obstetrical care. To improve healthcare providers' competence in understanding Somali culture as it relates to obstetric care.

Methods:

We held focus groups with Somali patients to understand their perception of obstetric care. We also provided obstetrical teaching workshops for Somali women recruited to serve as cultural liaisons. These women then assisted with cultural competency workshops for clinical providers, and with pilot prenatal teaching sessions for Somali patients. Workshops and teaching sessions were evaluated using pre- and post-tests and evaluation questionnaires.

Results:

Participants in focus groups enthusiastically provided insights into Somali attitudes, regarding obstetrics care. Cultural liaisons demonstrated improved understanding of obstetric issues on post-test following training sessions, and remained enthusiastic participants throughout the project. Clinical providers provided highest ratings for the value of liaisons in the cultural competency workshops. Patients were able to state new content learned, and stated they “liked the way the information was told to them” at liaison-assisted prenatal workshops. Extended teaching to staff outside the department also received highest ratings.

Conclusion:

Introducing a discussion and teaching program utilizing community liaisons can improve Somali prenatal education and can enhance understanding of Somali culture by clinical providers in a hospital based clinic.