Indigenous Birth Support Worker (IBSW) Program Evaluation: A Qualitative Analysis of Program Workers and Clients’ Perspectives-Reference-Cited by-同舟云学术

Indigenous Birth Support Worker (IBSW) Program Evaluation: A Qualitative Analysis of Program Workers and Clients’ Perspectives

Published:2022-10-18 Issue: Volume: Page:
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Author:

Pandey Mamata¹,Smith Leanne²,Maczek Nicole²,Sasakamoose JoLee³,Tomkins Angela²

Affiliation:

1. Research Department, Saskatchewan Health Authority

2. Maternal and Child Incentive Care Unit, Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, Saskatchewan Health Authority

3. University of Regina, Faculty of Education

Abstract

Abstract Background: The Indigenous Birth Support Worker (IBSW) Program provides indigenous women with respectful, culturally safe, and trauma-informed care and supports women and families during labor and delivery. Located in the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital (JPCH) Maternal Care Centre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, the program served 1023 clients between December 2019 and January 2021. Methods: The study objective was to explore the perspectives of the IBSWs and program clients one year post-implementation. The research plan was developed in collaboration with the IBSW program director and manager, IBSWs, and partners from the First Nation and Métis Health departments within the health region. A focus group with four IBSWs and individual interviews with ten clients who received services were conducted using a qualitative research design. Results: Thematic analysis revealed that clients greatly appreciated and respected the IBSWs’ cultural support and their compassionate, nonjudgmental, and safe care. IBSWs emphasized the importance of culturally safe and client-centered treatment, more effective pain management solutions, and that relationships with elders and community healthcare personnel should be built and strengthened to improve pregnancy and postnatal care delivery. IBSWs desire to work with community healthcare providers to provide prenatal care and build relationships before delivery. IBSWs advocated for collaborative cooperation with community healthcare professionals and rural healthcare teams to enable a smooth care flow to and from communities. Conclusion: The IBSW program’s client-centered, culturally responsive, compassionate care assisted in meeting the maternal healthcare needs of indigenous women in a hospital context. Birthing families should be provided with elders and spiritual and cultural teachings that support the birthing ceremony throughout the preconception, pregnancy, delivery, postpartum, and postpartum losses. Closer collaboration between IBSWs and healthcare practitioners is advised, as it can aid in identifying healthcare needs and improving timely access to relevant services.

Publisher

Research Square Platform LLC

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