Health care experiences and expectations of individuals with severe maternal morbidity in high-income countries: a qualitative systematic review protocol.

Journal article

A. Hicks, D.J. Atkinson, R. D’Souza, D. Rice, M. Vanstone, S.M. Jack
JBI Evidence Synthesis, vol. 23(8 ), 2025, pp. 1633-1645

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APA Click to copy
Hicks, A., Atkinson, D. J., D’Souza, R., Rice, D., Vanstone, M., & Jack, S. M. (2025). Health care experiences and expectations of individuals with severe maternal morbidity in high-income countries: a qualitative systematic review protocol. JBI Evidence Synthesis, 23(8 ), 1633–1645.

Chicago/Turabian Click to copy
Hicks, A., D.J. Atkinson, R. D’Souza, D. Rice, M. Vanstone, and S.M. Jack. “Health Care Experiences and Expectations of Individuals with Severe Maternal Morbidity in High-Income Countries: a Qualitative Systematic Review Protocol.” JBI Evidence Synthesis 23, no. 8 (2025): 1633–1645.

MLA Click to copy
Hicks, A., et al. “Health Care Experiences and Expectations of Individuals with Severe Maternal Morbidity in High-Income Countries: a Qualitative Systematic Review Protocol.” JBI Evidence Synthesis, vol. 23, no. 8 , 2025, pp. 1633–45.

BibTeX Click to copy

@article{hicks2025a,
  title = {Health care experiences and expectations of individuals with severe maternal morbidity in high-income countries: a qualitative systematic review protocol.},
  year = {2025},
  issue = {8 },
  journal = {JBI Evidence Synthesis},
  pages = {1633-1645},
  volume = {23},
  author = {Hicks, A. and Atkinson, D.J. and D’Souza, R. and Rice, D. and Vanstone, M. and Jack, S.M.}
}

Article summary

This systematic review of 57 qualitative studies from high-income countries examined patients’ health care experiences and expectations using meta-aggregation methods. Findings revealed frequent reports of dismissive care, lack of involvement in decision-making, and instances of racism and discrimination, alongside traumatic experiences, including separation from newborns and lasting mental health effects. While many patients expressed gratitude for life-saving treatment, they also reported poor continuity and coordination of postpartum care and unmet expectations around trust, safety, communication, information, and support. The review concludes that addressing systemic issues like obstetric violence and discrimination through respectful maternity care is essential, and it outlines actionable recommendations for improving care quality.