Qualitative Study of Black Birthing People Experiencing Preterm Birth

Michael E. Johansen

doi:10.1370/afm.3074

The Annals of Family Medicine encourages readers to develop a learning community to improve health and health care through enhanced primary care. With the Annals Journal Club, we encourage diverse participants—particularly among students, trainees, residents, and interns—to think critically about and discuss important issues affecting primary care, and even consider how their discussions might inform their practice.

HOW IT WORKS

The Annals provides discussion tips and questions related to one original research article in each issue. We welcome you to post a summary of your conversation to our eLetters section, a forum for readers to share their responses to Annals articles. Further information and links to previous Annals Journal Club features can be found on our website.

CURRENT SELECTION

Gregory EF, Johnson GT, Barreto A, et al. Communication and birth experiences among Black birthing people who experienced preterm birth. Ann Fam Med 2024;22:31-36. 10.1370/afm.3048

Discussion Tips

Communication during emergent procedures in the hospital can have an impact on individuals, especially among minority populations with a history of a health disparities. In this qualitative study, investigators interviewed 30 Black people who previously experienced preterm births. Consider how these patients’ experiences could influence the care you provide during and after preterm birth experiences.

Discussion Questions

What question is asked by this study and why does it matter?
How does this study advance beyond previous research and clinical practice on this topic?
How strong is the study design for answering the question?
To what degree can the findings be accounted for by:
1. Entrance criteria
2. How patients were identified
3. Timing of the interviews
4. The interview guide
What are Self-Determination Theory, data saturation, and emergent themes in a grounded approach?
What are the main study findings? What are the limitations of the study? Do the authors do a good job of clearly stating many limitations in the discussion section?
How comparable is the study sample to similar patients in your practice or region? What is your judgment about the transportability of the findings?
What contextual factors are important for interpreting the findings?
How might this study change your practice? Policy? Education? Research?
Who are the constituencies for the findings, and how might they be engaged in interpreting or using the findings?
What are the next steps in interpreting or applying the findings?
What researchable questions remain?