A scoping review of the perinatal healthcare experiences of Indigenous childbearing people.

Abstract

<h4>Background</h4>Globally, perinatal healthcare access, quality, and outcomes significantly vary between Indigenous and non-Indigenous childbearing people. This situation is precipitated by systemic barriers emanating from the longstanding effects of colonialization. Despite ongoing awareness of culturally safe perinatal care, Indigenous childbearing people continue to have challenging experiences. The purpose of this scoping review was to explore the perinatal healthcare experiences of Indigenous childbearing people to identify research gaps and inform future nursing/midwifery interventions to improve the challenges of engaging in perinatal healthcare in this population.<h4>Methods</h4>The scoping review framework of Arksey and O'Malley was used in this study by searching, retrieving, and analyzing research papers from CINAHL, Ovid/Medline, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science.<h4>Results</h4>Thirteen peer-reviewed articles published between 2002 and 2021 were analyzed. The experiences of Indigenous childbearing people who sought care during the perinatal period had their experiences classified into positive, negative, complex, and mediating. This scoping review reiterated the need for culturally safe healthcare, preferably delivered by Indigenous healthcare professionals in healthcare facilities situated in Indigenous communities.<h4>Conclusion</h4>It is crucial to further explore the perinatal healthcare experiences of Indigenous childbearing people through in-depth qualitative research to develop culturally safe interventions, especially when life-limiting illnesses or life-threatening illnesses (LLIs/LTIs) occur.<h4>Implications</h4>Overall, completion of this scoping review revealed the need for a comprehensive healthcare system transformation that addresses the needs of childbearing Indigenous families.