Perinatal Care Services for Hispanic Women: A Study of Provider-Receiver Communication

Abstract

The present case study 1) identified and evaluated perinatal care needs among Hispanics in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as perceived by a sample of perinatal care providers and receivers in the community, and 2) compared those needs with needs previously identified by a national team of Hispanic health experts and political and academic leaders. Results showed that while Hispanic experts emphasized technical needs, the community emphasized humanistic and communication needs in perinatal care services. Within the community, there were also differences between providers' and receivers' identification of barriers. Providers thought that cultural biases of receivers toward the medical profession prevented effective use of services. Receivers identified structural, mainly service related, limitations as barriers to effective perinatal care. This study shows the need to not base programs on “expert” opinion of public needs only.