Uprooting Racism: The Role of Nurses in Cultivating Improved Maternal Outcomes for Black and African American Women

Utilizing Simulation to Address Structural Racism in the Health-Care System

Aim: To fill the gap in research that historically has been limited by focusing on the health problems experienced by people of color. Method: A simulation exercise was developed for senior pre-licensure nursing students in their senior year of a pre-licensure nursing program at a Midwest liberal arts college to intervene when a health-care provider in the hospital acted in an oppressive manner toward a client. Results: Qualitative findings suggest the value of addressing structural racism during a simulated learning experience to facilitate an understanding of the extent of racism inherent in the health-care system and biases that can be perpetuated by health-care providers. Conclusions and Implication for Practice: This simulation on the topic of implicit bias and racism in the health-care system provided an opportunity to open and deepen important conversations about equity, belonging, and justice. Additional work is needed in training professional nurses to lead meaningful change in dealing with the current inequities in our health-care system.

Refocusing the Conduct of Maternal Mortality Research in Black Pregnant Populations: Ethical Considerations

INTRODUCTION

Maternal morbidity and mortality rates are on the rise in the United States, particularly among Black populations. Recently, there has been an uptick in research funding to identify and address root causes, particularly among at-risk groups. However, given the historical trauma experienced by Black populations in research settings, novel approaches built firmly on ethical principles and grounded in a framework of reproductive justice are necessary to minimize harm and center the research process on maintaining the dignity and respect of research participants.

METHODS

Ethical principles as outlined by the American Nurses Association, Black Mamas Matter Alliance, and federal research guidelines are reviewed within the context of conducting maternal mortality-focused research. In addition, community developed research frameworks and methodologies are presented and discussed within the research context.

CONCLUSIONS

Black pregnant people have reported mistreatment during clinical encounters; therefore, intentional protections to promote safety must be considered in the research setting. Ethical principles must be considered when designing and implementing research initiatives focused on addressing maternal mortality risk in Black communities.