Gold Standard Lacking for Measuring Respectful Maternity Care

Follow Drugslib on

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com.

By Elana Gotkine HealthDay Reporter

TUESDAY, Jan. 2, 2024 -- The lack of a gold standard for measuring respectful maternity care (RMC) limits evaluation of other tools, according to a review published online Jan. 2 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Amy G. Cantor, M.D., M.P.H., from Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, and colleagues conducted a systematic review on definitions and valid measurements of RMC and its effectiveness for improving maternal and infant health outcomes.

Data were included from 37 studies; one provided insufficient evidence on the effectiveness of RMC to improve maternal outcomes, and none of them studied RMC to improve infant outcomes. The authors identified 12 RMC frameworks to define RMC, from which two main concepts were identified: (1) disrespect and abuse, which focused on recognizing birth mistreatment, and (2) rights-based frameworks, which incorporated aspects of reproductive justice, human rights, and antiracism. Freedom from abuse, consent, privacy, dignity, communication, safety, and justice were identified as five overlapping framework themes. In 24 studies, 12 tools were validated to measure RMC, but the lack of a gold standard limited the assessment of criterion validity. At least one study demonstrating consistency internally was found for three tools specific for RMC; no single tool stood out as the best RMC measure.

"Tools to measure RMC demonstrate consistency but lack a gold standard, requiring further evaluation before implementation in U.S. settings," the authors write. "Evidence is lacking on the effectiveness of implementing RMC to improve any maternal or infant health outcome."

Abstract/Full Text

Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.

Source: HealthDay

Posted : 2024-01-03 00:15

Read more

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Popular Keywords