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Length of Postpartum Hospital Stays During COVID-19: Findings From a Convergent Parallel Mixed-Methods Study
Rebecca H Correia1, Devon Greyson2, Andrea Carruthers3
1Health Research Methodology Graduate Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON.
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada : JOGC = Journal D'Obstetrique Et Gynecologie Du Canada : JOGC
|August 18, 2024
Summary
Postpartum hospital stays shortened during COVID-19, impacting patient experiences and highlighting unmet postpartum care needs. This study analyzed hospital stay length and patient experiences during the pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Maternal Health
- Public Health
- Health Services Research
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered healthcare delivery, including maternity care.
- Understanding the impact of the pandemic on postpartum hospitalization is crucial for maternal health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the length of postpartum hospitalization for live births during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To explore how pandemic circumstances influenced postpartum hospital experiences.
Main Methods:
- A cross-provincial, convergent parallel mixed-methods study in Ontario and British Columbia, Canada.
- Quantitative analysis of health administrative data (2019, 2021, 2022) linked at ICES.
- Qualitative semi-structured interviews with birthing persons (BPs) to understand postpartum hospitalization experiences.
Main Results:
- Postpartum hospital stays significantly decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to 2019.
- Factors associated with shortened stays included giving birth during COVID-19, social deprivation, midwifery care, multiparity, and lower newborn birth weight.
- Patient experiences were influenced by COVID-19 risk perception, clinical care, hospital services, visitor policies, and stay duration.
Conclusions:
- Postpartum hospital stays were shorter during the COVID-19 pandemic, with qualitative data revealing unmet postpartum service needs.
- Integrated administrative and interview data provided a comprehensive understanding of observed differences in postpartum care.
- Further research is needed to investigate the effects of shortened postpartum stays on health service outcomes and personal experiences.
