(287) Patient Perceptions of a One-Year Postpartum Patient Navigation Program for Low-income Birthing People

Patient navigation, an intervention in which a trained individual supports patients in navigating the healthcare system, has emerged as a means to promote health equity in a variety of healthcare domains. Navigating New Motherhood (NNM) is a randomized trial that implemented a one-year postpartum patient navigation program for low-income birthing individuals. We aimed to understand patient perceptions of the NNM program and describe its implications for future program iterations. 

Study Design:

In this analysis of qualitative data from the NNM study, a random selection of participants who were receiving the navigation intervention underwent in-depth interviews at 4-6 and 11-13 months postpartum. Interviews focused on participants’ perceptions of the relationship with their navigator and activities performed by the navigator. Using a codebook created through an iterative team-based process, two coders independently analyzed sets of interviews using the constant comparative method to identify underlying themes.

Results:

In this analysis of 30 interviews from 15 navigated participants (mean age 28.4 years, 100% Medicaid insurance, 53% Black and 40% Hispanic), participants provided feedback regarding their navigators and the program. Major themes included 1) interpersonal connection between navigator and participant, 2) importance of logistical support provided by the navigator, 3) development of participant activation, 4) desired continuation of the program, and 5) perception of breadth of services provided (Table). Some suggestions for improvement, albeit minimal in nature, were provided. Findings were similar at both time points.

Conclusion:

Participant feedback on their experiences with postpartum navigation was overwhelmingly positive at both the mid-point and end of one year of participation. Participants cited navigation activities, program structure, and their relationship with navigators as program strengths. Findings support that patient navigation programs are welcomed by low-income birthing individuals, building on growing evidence for future investment in obstetric navigation.