Transdisciplinary Imagination: Addressing Equity and Mistreatment in Perinatal Care.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Equity
• Maternal Health

Background:

• Birth outcome inequities are exacerbated by environmental exposures, racism, and quality gaps in childbearing care, particularly during the pandemic.
• Addressing these complex issues requires innovative solutions for health equity in perinatal services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel knowledge exchange vehicle, the Quality Perinatal Services Hub (QPS-Hub).
• To improve health equity in perinatal services by disseminating evidence-based guidance and enhancing accountability.
• To foster a two-way flow of information between communities and health systems regarding rights-based perinatal services.

Main Methods:

• Development of an intentional transdisciplinary process.
• Creation of an open-access digital platform (QPS-Hub).
• Focus on disseminating evidence-based guidance and promoting accountability.

Main Results:

• The QPS-Hub serves as a resource for community members and decision-makers seeking information on respectful maternity care.
• The platform is designed to enhance health systems' accountability.
• It facilitates a crucial two-way flow of information between communities and healthcare providers.

Conclusions:

• The QPS-Hub is well-positioned to address the needs of childbearing families, especially those in underserved and historically excluded communities.
• It promotes collaboration among policymakers, healthcare providers, and patients.
• The platform is a key tool for advancing health equity in perinatal care.