Exploring Social Workers Potential Role in Mitigating Maternal Mortality through Coordinated Care

Author

Jena Brown-TalibFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-12-2024

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

Health, Exercise Science, and Recreation Management

First Advisor

Anne Cafer

Second Advisor

Tess Lefmann

Third Advisor

John Young

Relational Format

Thesis

Abstract

Maternal health disparities persist as a significant challenge in Mississippi, particularly for African American women. This thesis explores the intersection of coordinated care models and social work interventions in addressing maternal mortality. Coordinated care involves collaboration among physicians, nurses, practitioners, social workers, community health workers, and other support services, aiming to maximize pregnant patients' overall health outcomes.

Analyzing strategies of social workers within coordinated care models is important for improving maternal health outcomes within this study. A qualitative approach was chosen to delve beyond statistics and illuminate the reality of maternal health disparities and the efforts to resolve them. Data collection involved transcription of audio-recorded interviews. Participants were recruited through email at academic institutions in Mississippi with social work programs, including the University of Mississippi, the University of Southern Mississippi, Mississippi State University, and Mississippi College. Eligible participants were undergraduate seniors or recent graduates not yet enrolled in graduate school and currently employed social work faculty and staff members within the field in Mississippi. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, employing open-ended questions to gauge participants' understanding of coordinated care concepts and their perceptions of the role of social workers in facilitating collaboration with healthcare professionals and marginalized communities.

The findings revealed a disconnect between understanding what the Master's and Bachelor's programs provided in teaching maternal health, a lack of comprehension of coordinated care models among students and social workers, and challenges in teaching race in classrooms, particularly when instructors are white. These findings underscore the need for improved education on maternal health, coordinated care, and race within social work programs to address maternal health disparities effectively.

Recommended Citation

Brown-Talib, Jena, "Exploring Social Workers Potential Role in Mitigating Maternal Mortality through Coordinated Care" (2024). Honors Theses. 3179.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3179