The perspectives of childbearing individuals and their families with reduced local access to maternity services in Canadian rural and remote communities: a qualitative evidence synthesis

Abstract

The reduction and discontinuation of maternity services in rural and remote communities in Canada has created health accessibility issues for many childbearing individuals. In this study, the perspectives of individuals and their families who lack local access to maternity care will be assessed using a Qualitative Evidence Synthesis (QES). Previous qualitative research has identified several stressors due to closures. By framing the research after the release of a watershed document - the Family Centered Maternity and Newborn Care (FCMNC) guidelines from 2019 - the implementation of the guidelines will be assessed. The objective of this study is to synthesize the existing evidence on perspectives of childbearing individuals and their families living in rural and remote communities who face lack of local access to maternity services after the FCMNC release. Results of this QES show that childbearing individuals continue to experience accessibility issues, which impacts their health and wellbeing.