New Report Finds Frameworks for Respectful Maternity Care, but Definitions Vary
According to a new evidence review from AHRQ, respectful maternity care is a well-described, rational approach for improving person-centered and equitable intrapartum and postpartum care, but it lacks a standard definition and clear measurement method.
Researchers reviewed existing literature for definitions and valid measurements of respectful maternity care, its effectiveness for improving maternal and infant health outcomes, and strategies for implementation. They found that tools to measure respectful maternity care demonstrate consistency but lack a gold standard, requiring further evaluation before implementation in U.S. settings. This work is important because severe maternal morbidity and mortality is worse in the United States than in all comparable countries, with the greatest impact on Black women.
Select to access the evidence review (PDF, 2 MB).