Implementing Group Prenatal Care to Improve Patient Experience & Reduce Complications in High-Risk Pregnant Women
Disciplines
Maternal, Child Health and Neonatal Nursing
Abstract (300 words maximum)
The United States continues to experience a higher rate of maternal mortality and neonatal complications when compared to other wealthy nations. One factor that may be contributing to these outcomes is the increasing prevalence of chronic disease among pregnant women. Comorbidities, including, hypertension, cardiovascular disorders, and diabetes increase the risk of pregnancy-related complications and adverse neonate outcomes. Early initiation of a consistent prenatal care regimen is an essential preventive service to pregnant women with comorbidities; however, many women lack access to such services or avoid care due to fear or judgement and discrimination. Novel, inclusive approaches to prenatal care are needed to better support women, promote health autonomy, and reduce complications. Recent studies have demonstrated that group-based prenatal care programs are positively associated with improved educational and health outcomes. Participants also report improved qualitative indicators such as feelings of social support and control over one’s health status. This study aims to determine the effect of a community-based group prenatal care program on patient experience, adherence, and pregnancy-related outcomes in high-risk pregnant women compared with traditional prenatal care. A cohort of pregnant women with at least one comorbidity will be established and monthly, group-based prenatal care sessions will be implemented beginning in the first trimester. The cohort will be monitored and evaluated for quantitative metrics including program adherence, maternal complications, and neonate health outcomes as well as qualitative indicators including patient satisfaction, sense of support, and self-efficacy. Data will be compared to a control group consisting of pregnant women of similar risk participating in individualized prenatal care. This study will provide more information to public health entities and healthcare organizations on strategies to improve access to and quality of prenatal care to ultimately reduce perinatal complications.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
Wellstar School of Nursing
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Dr. Christie Emerson
Additional Faculty
Nerma Redcross, Nursing, nsm7611@kennesaw.edu
Implementing Group Prenatal Care to Improve Patient Experience & Reduce Complications in High-Risk Pregnant Women
The United States continues to experience a higher rate of maternal mortality and neonatal complications when compared to other wealthy nations. One factor that may be contributing to these outcomes is the increasing prevalence of chronic disease among pregnant women. Comorbidities, including, hypertension, cardiovascular disorders, and diabetes increase the risk of pregnancy-related complications and adverse neonate outcomes. Early initiation of a consistent prenatal care regimen is an essential preventive service to pregnant women with comorbidities; however, many women lack access to such services or avoid care due to fear or judgement and discrimination. Novel, inclusive approaches to prenatal care are needed to better support women, promote health autonomy, and reduce complications. Recent studies have demonstrated that group-based prenatal care programs are positively associated with improved educational and health outcomes. Participants also report improved qualitative indicators such as feelings of social support and control over one’s health status. This study aims to determine the effect of a community-based group prenatal care program on patient experience, adherence, and pregnancy-related outcomes in high-risk pregnant women compared with traditional prenatal care. A cohort of pregnant women with at least one comorbidity will be established and monthly, group-based prenatal care sessions will be implemented beginning in the first trimester. The cohort will be monitored and evaluated for quantitative metrics including program adherence, maternal complications, and neonate health outcomes as well as qualitative indicators including patient satisfaction, sense of support, and self-efficacy. Data will be compared to a control group consisting of pregnant women of similar risk participating in individualized prenatal care. This study will provide more information to public health entities and healthcare organizations on strategies to improve access to and quality of prenatal care to ultimately reduce perinatal complications.