LGBTQ+ Maternity Care Experiences

Informed Consent

This study is being conducted by Doctor of Health Administration Candidate Cassandra “Cass” Evaline Peden at the College of Graduate Health Studies at A. T. Still University in Kirksville, Missouri. The purpose of this survey is to analyze the impact of care team communication on the maternity care experiences of LGBTQ+ birthing persons.

The survey is summarized as follows:

· Fast – This survey has 12 brief questions that can be completed in approximately 15 minutes.

· Anonymous – All responses will remain confidential and anonymous. Data will be reported in an aggregate form only.

· Voluntary – Your participation in this survey is completely voluntary. Your consent may be withdrawn at any point during the survey by closing the survey without finishing the questions.

· Beneficial – Upon request, you will receive a copy of the study findings after the study concludes.
Statement of Inclusion

This survey is open to all postpartum LGBTQ+ birthing persons who were aged 18 or older prior to pregnancy, received maternity care in the United States for their pregnancy, and whose babies were delivered at a United States hospital-based birthing unit on or after April 1st, 2020.

Risks and/or Discomforts

There are no anticipated physical risks associated with participation. There is the possibility of psychological discomfort or emotional stress due to recalling birth experiences, especially for those whose birth experiences were challenging. If you feel uncomfortable with a question, you may skip the specific question or withdraw from the study at any time. If you decide to exit the survey prior to completion, your answers will not be recorded.

Benefits of Participation

Participating in this study provides an opportunity for participants to contribute to the knowledge gained regarding the relationship between care team communication and maternity care experiences for LGBTQ+ birthing persons in the United States. This research aims to address a gap in scholarly knowledge pertaining to the care team communication needs of LGBTQ+ birthing persons, which is currently lacking. Participants may request a copy of the study results after the completion of the study by emailing cass.peden@atsu.edu.

Confidentiality

Your responses will be kept entirely confidential. Your IP address is neither known nor recorded when you complete this survey. Your email address is requested only if you wish to receive a copy of the study results after the study has concluded. Otherwise, any identifiers will be removed.
Contact Information

If you have questions or concerns about this study, please contact Cassandra “Cass” Evaline Peden (the researcher) at cass.peden@atsu.edu. For information regarding the answers to questions related to this research study, and regarding whom to contact in the event of a research-related injury, please contact A. T. Still University’s Institutional Review Board Chairperson, R.J. Theobald, Jr., Ph.D. (660-626-2316).

Please click “Next” below if you consent to participate in this survey.