The Impact of Health Care Access and Quality of Care on Neonates and Their Families.

Abstract

Access to and quality of health care is one of the five determinants of health that significantly influences the health and well-being of neonates and their families. This column considers the challenges birth parents and neonates may have in accessing care and whether the care they do access is safe and of high quality. As obstetric mortality rates continue to increase and neonatal mortality rates fail to decline in the United States, there is a critical need to consider how nurses can support families in obtaining the care they require. Advocating for access to health care and providing high-quality care that is free from discrimination is necessary to improving outcomes for families and supporting future engagement in the health care system. NICU nurses hold a pivotal role in fostering inclusive environments, providing high-quality care, and advocating for improved access.