Accessing peripartum care in an internal medicine clinic: Barriers, interventions, and racial disparities

Abstract

This study evaluates obstacles peripartum patients with additional medical needs face and services that would be helpful in obtaining this care. A survey was administered to 226 patients at a clinic specializing in internal medicine care for peripartum patients. Data was analyzed through descriptive statistics and linear regression. The three most reported barriers that interfered with attending medical appointments included the inability to leave work (41%), being too busy (33%), and lack of childcare (29%). Hispanic and Black patients reported more barriers to care as compared to White patients. The three most reported interventions that would be helpful in attending appointments were more virtual appointment options (38%), increased insurance coverage (31%), and provision of childcare (30%). Interventions were widely rated as helpful regardless of barriers faced and race reported. Targeted interventions are needed to enhance access to peripartum care, especially for patients from marginalized racial and ethnic populations.