OBJECTIVE: 

To create a collaboration among health care professionals and community organizers to advance health equity and increase access to high-quality perinatal health care for Afghan refugees.

PROJECT SUMMARY: 

This project was developed to create relationships among the health care industry, community partners, and nonprofit organizations to improve the perinatal health status of the refugee population of Kansas City, Missouri. Meetings were held among leaders of three medical systems (Samuel U. Rodgers Clinic, Swope Health, and University Health) and the two major resettlement agencies (Della Lamb and Jewish Vocational Services) to discuss barriers to care. These included communication, coordination of care, time limitations, and misunderstandings of the system. The following focus areas were identified, and interventions then were implemented:

1. Education

 a. Seminars for health care professionals regarding specific perinatal health care needs

 b. Tours and classes for refugees during which they were introduced to the facility, including labor and delivery, and prenatal, antenatal, and postpartum care

2. Communication

 a. Medical passports for patients to better facilitate perinatal care among organizations, because all facilities provide care but deliveries occur only at University Health

3. Research

 a. Performing surveillance activities and disseminating findings to aid other communities

 The project is now expanding to include all refugee populations in the Kansas City area. Regular meetings are held quarterly with community leaders for continued quality improvement.

OUTCOME: 

Primary outcomes focus on our refugee patients: increased patient autonomy, adherence to prenatal and postpartum visits, and developing trust in the system. Secondary outcomes include improved communication between clinics and resettlement agencies and improved cultural awareness among obstetric care professionals.

RELEVANCE TO WOMEN'S HEALTH: 

Equity in perinatal care requires individualized services when serving a diverse population. Refugees in particular have a unique perspective and unique needs. Through collaboration, we were able to improve the health status of the most vulnerable members of our community.