Information for Rural Stakeholders About Access to Maternity and Obstetric Care: A Community-Relevant Synthesis of Research

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Provides an overview of access to maternity and obstetric care in rural areas, including access to care, childbirth at rural hospitals, and rural obstetric unit closures. Summarizes research findings on healthcare quality and outcomes at low-volume obstetric units, risks associated with rural obstetric unit closures, and challenges faced by communities without hospital-based obstetric care. Describes clinical and policy efforts to improve access and quality of care for birthing people and their families in rural communities with low-volume obstetric units or lack access to hospital-based obstetric care.

Katy B. Kozhimannil, Julia D. Interrante, Alyssa H. Fritz, et al.

09/2024

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University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center

Access · Closures of healthcare facilities and services · Healthcare quality · Hospitals · Maternal health and prenatal care · Policy · Statistics and data