Partnership for Culturally Competent Obstetrical Care

Refugee women face many obstacles upon resettlement to the United States, including cultural differences associated with pregnancy and child bearing that extend well beyond differences in technology and increased use of cesarean section. Based on birthing experiences of Somali-Bantu refugees which nearly resulted in tragedy, students and faculty from the University of Maryland, School of Nursing initiated a unique partnership with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) to identify cultural differences during the pre and post partum periods for four refugee groups currently being resettled into the Baltimore area. Over a two plus year period, community public health students researched these cultural issues in the peer-reviewed literature. In collaboration with IRC staff and community interpreters, graduate nursing students conducted focus groups with refugee women to identify issues of concern to the women themselves. Using a standard template, the students developed fact sheets detailing cultural practices during this important time period and identified issues critical for refugee women to receive culturally competent obstetrical care. Fact sheets were reviewed by the refugee women and the IRC. Collaborative partners are now planning to meet with labor and delivery staff and out-patient health care providers to share this information and discuss opportunities to improve obstetric and post partum care for refugee women. Fact sheets will also be available for women to use directly with health care providers. Our presentation will summarize highlights of project development, showcase copies of the fact sheets, and report on progress of work with the health care provider community in Baltimore.