Kristin P. Tully ^*

• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States

Objective: Centering birthing parents is critical for improving reproductive health policies and practices. This study investigated patient perspectives on measuring the quality of perinatal care. Methods: A cross-sectional qualitative research study was conducted at an academic medical center in the southeastern US. Individuals who had recently given birth participated in audiorecorded interviews in 2020. This analysis addresses the research question "If we were providing quality healthcare for families, how would we know?" Transcribed and translated responses were inductively coded to develop categories and identify themes. Results: Forty birthing parents participated. Metrics, timing, and process were identified as important. Recommended metrics included asking patients if their health priorities were addressed. Additional metrics of importance were whether coping strategies were provided, the clarity of information provided, patient comprehension of health information, the extent to which care planning was collaborative among patients and their health care team members, whether clinicians alleviated patient doubts, patient feelings of being taken care of, health care team mannerisms, clinician demonstrations of respect for patient autonomy, and postpartum visit attendance. Regarding timing, patients desired that their health care team members "check-in" with them as part of ongoing, direct dialog. Birthing parents also wanted opportunities to provide feedback soon after encounters. As part of a robust measurement process, they wanted to share their insights with someone who was not a part of their health care team, for confidentiality. Patients desired a "serious platform" with accessible methods for all birthing parents to be able to convey nuanced accounts of their care. They also wanted to hear from the healthcare institutions regarding their feedback. Birthing parents sought assurances for their perinatal care feedback to be de-identified to protect them from potential retaliation. Participants recognized they might need to utilize health care services from the same institution and individuals in the future. Conclusion: Birthing parents expressed desire for their perinatal health care experiences to be understood. Meaningful quality measurement may be promoted through transparent and multimethod opportunities for patients to securely share insights. In addition to healthcare systems communicating assurances of patient confidentiality, institutional feedback in response to patientreported experiences is recommended.