My OB/GYN has the worst bedside manner…” A Qualitative Analysis of Patient-Provider Communication and Mental Health Outcomes of Women in Rural Georgia"

Despite technological advances in medicine and public health innovative ideas, maternal mortality in the United States remains significantly higher than in other developed countries. Specifically, Georgia rates as the second worst place to give birth in the country. This study focuses on patient-provider communication through the birthing experiences of women who have been pregnant in Georgia to examine whether women who have difficulties with communication experience mental health issues. A qualitative phenomenological study that relied on Person-Centered Maternity Care (PCMC) and Communicative Care Perspective as theoretical frameworks. Using semi-structured in-depth interviews and surveys