Abstract
Purpose: Several studies have addressed perceptions of women with physical disabilities (WWPD) about health care received during pregnancy. This qualitative descriptive study examined obstetrical clinicians’ perspectives on providing quality perinatal care to WWPD and strategies to ensure positive obstetrical care experiences. Method: Through several recruitment strategies, we identified and contacted 33 clinicians who have provided obstetrical care to pregnant WWPD. Fourteen agreed to and participated in telephone interviews, which lasted approximately 45 minutes. Interviews followed a semi-structured interview guide developed by the investigators. Interviews were transcribed and then analyzed using content analysis to identify initial themes. Investigators continuously discussed and revised the themes as additional transcripts were reviewed and new themes were identified. Results: Several themes and subthemes were identified from the interview transcript analyses including: lack of formal training on care of pregnant women with physical disabilities, unplanned career pathway, educating other clinicians, and positive and negative experiences providing obstetrical care to women with physical disability. Several clinicians provided obstetrical care to women with physical disabilities because of requests to do so by other clinicians and did not begin their careers with the goal of providing obstetric care to women with physical disabilities. None of them had received formal education or training to do so. The interviewees described very rewarding experiences caring for women with disabilities. Conclusions: Recounting the experiences and recommendations of clinicians who have provided obstetrical services to women with physical disabilities could inform and encourage other health professionals to serve this often underserved population.