Voices From the Field: Informing Maternal Child Health Navigator Training Through Rural Practice Insights.

Abstract

ObjectiveTo explore Maternal-Child Health (MCH) Navigators' perspectives on the adequacy of their training and their experiences in field-based practice, with a focus on preparedness for trauma-informed care, substance use support, and addressing drivers of health in rural and underserved Texas communities.DesignThis qualitative study used semi-structured interviews and reflexive thematic analysis, guided by Braun and Clarke's framework, to examine navigator perspectives on training adequacy and field experiences.SampleA purposive sample of four Maternal-Child Health Navigators serving rural South Texas communities participated in the study.ResultsSix key themes emerged: real-world preparedness, learning by doing, living the principles (trauma-informed relational practice), navigating complexity (including substance use and neonatal abstinence syndrome), addressing the context (drivers of health), and peer support to cultivate connection. Navigators emphasized the value of lived experience, peer support, and experiential learning in bridging training gaps.ConclusionBased on the findings, we recommend integrating scenario-based and hybrid training, peer consultation, reflective practice, and targeted education for trauma and substance use challenges. These findings support scalable, training-focused actions in navigator preparation to address maternal health inequities in innovative ways.