Qualitative Evaluations of Obstetric Transport Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic drastically affected the emergency obstetric transport experience on a multidimensional level. The objective of this study is to understand how the pandemic has affected the physical and emotional health of these patients prior to, during, and after their transport to the University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH). METHODS: Participants transported for emergency obstetric indications were recruited at UNMH. Patient informed consent, demographic questionnaires, interviews, and surveys were obtained and graded on a 5- point Likert scale. These were delivered in person, via telephone, or via Zoom software and securely recorded. English interviews were transcribed via Otter.ai, and interviews conducted in Spanish were manually translated. Institutional review board approval was obtained. RESULTS: Preliminary results consisted of 10 participants. A majority (90%) felt that they had a good experience with the transport service and 70% of the individuals felt that proper protocols were put in place to protect them from a COVID-19 exposure. However, 40% of respondents had concerns about their safety during the transport process and 50% had concerns about their baby's safety. Additionally, 60% of participants felt that COVID-19 overall had a negative effect on their transport experience. CONCLUSION: A significant portion of participants felt that the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative effect on their obstetric transport experience. Understanding the needs of these patients during the COVID-19 pandemic is important given the safety-restrictions that have been in place. This highlights the need for studies identifying barriers for patients during the transport process to improve the patient experience.