Providers Perspectives on Racial Equity: What Is Needed in a Training to Advance Black Women’s Reproductive Health [23G

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: To explore providers’ perceptions of the need for a racial equity training and recommendations on strategies that can be used to improve black women’s reproductive health outcomes. METHODS: January-March 2019 we conducted 25 semi-structured interviews (30-60 minutes) with a diverse group of prenatal care providers practicing in the San Francisco Bay Area. Providers were recruited through email correspondences and department meetings. Culturally concordant qualitatively trained researcher assistants conducted all interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. We used the constant comparative method to analyze data. This study was approved by the University of California, San Francisco Institutional Review Board. RESULTS: Most providers were CNM (n=8, 32%) or OB/GYN (n=7, 28%), worked in their current role for 1-5 years (n=10, 40%), and identified as white (n=16, 64%). All providers expressed a need and importance to address racial inequities to improve the care experiences and reproductive health outcomes of black women. Most providers agreed that the proposed components of the racial equity training were important topics to cover: Racism in the US (n=20, 80%), Racial Disparities in Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes (n=23, 92%), Women’s Experiences, (n=24, 96%), Providers’ Experiences (n=16, 64%), and Reflection and Discussion (n=18, 72%). Providers stressed that there is need for an action-oriented racial equity training where they learn how to address racism as well as implement system-level accountabilities (e.g., metrics on patients’ perceptions of care). CONCLUSION: Providers desire an action-oriented racial equity training that will provide ongoing skills and practice, and system-level accountabilities to better serve black women.