Federally Qualified Health Center Access to Maternity Care for Incarcerated Pregnant Women

Background: There has been an increase in pregnant incarcerated women, which is a growing concern for this high-risk and special population. This specialty group indicates a need for attention to ensure access to timely and proper medical care. Incarcerated pregnant women are a noted vulnerable group and do not have access to standardized clinical guidelines. Imprisonment imposes unique restrictions regarding access to care. A Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Pennsylvania has been providing ambulatory/obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) care to incarcerated pregnant women. Purpose: This research aimed to investigate strategies FQHC leadership can use to improve access to care for incarcerated pregnant women. Methodology: An integrative review of literature was conducted by searching publications between 2018 and 2023 and using the John Hopkins evidence-based practice model. The databases utilized included APA PsycINFO, PubMed, Science Direct, and the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature. Total quality management was the theory utilized as the framework for this paper. Results: Thematic analysis identified three main themes and corresponding subthemes: (a) continuous quality improvement: access to care, collaboration and community partnerships, open access appointments, and educational resources; (b) quality management: maternal health grants, community health workers, and OBGYN rotations; and (c) patient-focused care: patient-centered medical home and culturally appropriate care. Implications: This study provides strategies for an FQHC to improve access to quality maternal care for pregnant incarcerated women.