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Faculty have requested this content not be shared outside of the session
Faculty have requested this content not be shared outside of the session
CME Credit Offered
CME Credit Offered
Abstract Award
Abstract Award
Recording available 2/16-5/2
Recording available 2/16-5/2
AIUM Credit
AIUM Credit
Foundation Awardee
Foundation Awardee
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Abstract Award
Abstract Award
Foundation Awardee
Foundation Awardee

Poster Session 3

Category: Health Equity/Community Health

Poster Session 3

(906) Qualitative Analysis of Community Doula Integration into Hospital-Based Perinatal Care for Black Birthing Patients

Thursday, February 12, 2026
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM  
Foundation Awardee
Objective:
To explore experiences of community‑based doulas supporting Black birthing patients in an academic medical center and to identify barriers and facilitators to effective hospital‑community partnership.

Study Design:
This qualitative study was embedded within a randomized controlled trial comparing routine versus doula‑enhanced perinatal care. Study participants were doulas from Uzazi Village, a Black‑led community organization. Doulas participated in a structured focus group addressing hospital navigation, collaboration with clinical teams, and perceived impact on patient experience. Discussions were audio‑recorded, transcribed, and coded using a combined deductive–inductive framework. Secondary analysis with patient surveys and perinatal outcome data is ongoing.

Results:
Doulas reported being welcomed during prenatal visits but often disregarded upon arrival to Labor & Delivery. Barriers included lack of formal introduction to the unit, navigation/parking challenges, no badge or role identification, and limited access to patient resources. Staff knowledge of doula roles varied; collaboration ranged from positive engagement to exclusion from care discussions. Facilitators included respectful acknowledgment from clinicians and advocacy alongside patients. Five themes emerged (Table 1).

Conclusion:
Community‑based doulas face structural, logistical, and cultural barriers to inpatient integration. Mixed‑methods analysis will further elucidate relational dynamics and identify strategies to foster respectful, bidirectional partnerships between hospitals and community doula organizations, critical to advancing perinatal equity for Black birthing people.