Research Alert: November 9, 2020

Making it Work: Models of Success in Rural Maternity Care

Identifying and describing common factors and best practices of rural clinician programs and hospital-based obstetric units in rural communities is important as rural hospitals continue to close their obstetric units nationwide. Key informant interviews were conducted with leaders in three programs and communities in Baldwin, Wisconsin, Lakin, Kansas, and Russellville, Arkansas, with attention to their key features. The goal of this case series is to describe key factors that underlie three successful models of rural maternity care and to inform communities, clinicians, and hospitals that wish to keep obstetric services available locally.

Additional Resources of Interest:

• More information about the University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
• More information from the Rural Health Information Hub's topic guides: Critical Access Hospitals, Healthcare Access, Hospitals