Pregnant women and new moms in Fernie have the chance to take part in a study that hopes to shape health care policy in rural areas of British Columbia.
The Rural Surgical and Obstetrical Networks Initiative (RSON) is an initiative spearheaded by the Centre for Rural Health Research at the University of British Columbia. The project is conducting research and focus groups in seven rural B.C. communities over the course of five years in an attempt to improve safe and quality access to health care.
LOOK BACK: Surgical care study seeks Fernie residents for focus group
In early March 2020, a group of researchers conducted focus groups for surgical patients in Fernie. Now, they are looking to speak to new moms or pregnant women. This round of research is looking specifically at the experience of pregnancy and postpartum during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the study is looking to speak with women who are currently pregnant or gave birth after March 17, 2020.
“We want to learn about any changes that women experienced in their care plan,” explained Eva Sullivan, head research assistant for the project. “For example, if they had to switch to virtual pre-natal classes or virtual pre-natal care with their provider. We want to hear about any impact that COVID has had on their mental health like possibly increased stress or anxiety. We also want to hear about any unintended positive things that COVID brought to their pregnancies and birth.”
Sullivan noted that not all pregnancies were impacted by the pandemic in a negative way and the research team is eager to hear the positive sides of the story as well. She noted that it was a very open ended way to learn about women’s experiences, including the pros and cons.
Since in person focus groups and meetings are not advisable under pandemic restrictions, the research interviews will take place online. In order to be as flexible as possible, researchers are offering virtual options for gathering information. Anyone interested in taking part in the focus groups can either take part in a 60 to 90 minute Zoom focus group with several other people or can do an individual telephone interview that could last anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes.
Each participant in the focus groups or individual interviews will receive a $25 grocery gift card as compensation for their time. Those eligible and interested in participating should contact Eva Sullivan at 604-822-4587 or eva.sullivan@ubc.ca.
editor@thefreepress.ca
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