Group Prenatal Care Attendance: Determinants and Relationship with Care Satisfaction

Maternal experiences of women who had received salutary childbirth education: A descriptive qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Childbirth education, underpinned by Salutogenesis, presents a paradigm shift in maternal care. There was no present information about the maternal experiences of women who had received Salutary childbirth education.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to deeply explore women's pregnancy, birth and postnatal experiences who attended the 'Salutary Childbirth Education Program' and shed light on the mechanisms of Salutogenesis on maternal health promotion.

METHODS

A descriptive qualitative study was conducted with 15 mothers. The study was conducted during April-October 2023. Data were obtained through semi-structured, in-depth individual longitudinal interviews to cover all maternal periods. A thematic analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Women stated that they 'acquired normality oriented perspective' which provides 'attribution of positive meanings to the period' and 'freedom from their risk focus concerns'. Women experienced the naturality of the process and were in the flow. They described that they became 'aware of their internal resources', and gained 'skills for the construction of resources' and 'ability to manage the period'. The 'emotional strength' and 'Investment ability for themselves' in addition to obtained autonomy provided them a feeling of strength to actively engage in their experience.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

This study explores the experiences of women who participated in the Salutary Childbirth Education Program and describes the mechanisms of the program's components on their experiences. By doing so, it aims to enhance understanding of how healthcare professionals can present effective childbirth education through the use of the Salutogenesis Model.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

The authors would like to acknowledge and thank the women who attended the education program and were willing to interview.

Understanding health education needs of pregnant women in China during public health emergencies: a qualitative study amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

Background

Public health emergencies impose unique challenges on pregnant women, affecting their physiological, psychological, and social wellbeing. This study, focusing on the context of the corona virus disease in 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in China, aims to comprehensively explore the experiences of pregnant women amidst diverse public health crises. Herein, we investigate the health education needs of pregnant Chinese women in regard to public health emergencies to provide a scientific foundation for the development of targeted health education strategies.

Objective

The study described in this article aims to explore the health education needs of pregnant Chinese women in the context of public health emergencies specifying the types of emergencies of pandemics and to provide a scientific basis for targeted health education interventions.

Methods

Thirteen pregnant women were purposively selected, and the rationale for this sample size lies in the qualitative nature of the study, seeking in-depth insights rather than generalizability. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews, and the Colaizzi, which is a structured qualitative technique used to extract, interpret, and organize significant statements from participant descriptions into themes, providing a comprehensive understanding of their lived experiences.

Results

The analysis yielded six prominent themes encompassing the following areas: I. Personal protection and vaccine safety; II. Knowledge of maternal health; III. Knowledge of fetal health; IV. Knowledge of childbirth; V. Knowledge of postpartum recovery; and VI. Knowledge sources of health education for pregnant women and their expectations of healthcare providers. Theme I was analyzed with two sub-themes (needs for personal protection knowledge, vaccine safety knowledge needs); Theme II was analyzed with three sub-themes (nutrition and diet, exercise and rest, sexual life); Theme III was analyzed with three sub-themes (medications and hazardous substances, pregnancy check-ups, and fetal movement monitoring); Theme IV was analyzed with three sub-themes (family accompaniment, analgesia in childbirth, and choice of mode of delivery); Theme V was analyzed with one sub-theme (knowledge of postnatal recovery); Theme VI was analyzed with one sub-theme (expectations of Healthcare providers). Sub-themes within each main theme were identified, offering a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted challenges faced by pregnant women during public health emergencies. The interrelation between sub-themes and main themes contributes to a holistic portrayal of their experiences.

Conclusion

The study emphasizes the need for healthcare professionals to tailor health education for pregnant women during emergencies, highlighting the role of the Internet in improving information dissemination. It recommends actionable strategies for effective health communication, ensuring these women receive comprehensive support through digital platforms for better health outcomes during public health crises.

Long-term cost savings with Centering-based group antenatal care

INTRODUCTION

Group antenatal care (gANC) is a group-based care-model combining routine antenatal care, with health assessment, education, and community building. GANC has shown positive results on perinatal outcomes. However, midwives in Dutch primary care have reported higher costs when providing gANC. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of replacing individual prenatal care (IC) by gANC on (expected future) health care costs and health outcomes.

METHODS

We performed an exploratory cost-benefit analysis comparing costs and consequences of gANC with those of IC, using a hypothetical cohort of 12,894 women in gANC. Primary input data were derived from a stepped wedge cluster randomized controlled trial carried out in the Netherlands, assessing both health and psychosocial effects of gANC comparing them with IC. Other data was retrieved from available literature and an online questionnaire among midwifery practices. The main outcome measure was differential cost of gANC and lifetime direct healthcare costs related to the effects of gANC compared to IC (price level 2019).

RESULTS

Results showed that gANC comes at a differential cost of €45 extra per person when compared to IC. However, projected healthcare cost-savings related to increased breastfeeding rates, reduced prevalence of pregnancy induced hypertension and less postpartum smoking, lead to an average net cost-savings of €67 per gANC participant.

DISCUSSION

Although gANC shows better health- and psychosocial outcomes when compared to IC, it is more costly to provide. However, findings indicate that the differential costs of gANC are off-set by long-term healthcare cost-savings.

Contributions of CenteringPregnancy to women's health behaviours, health literacy, and health care use in the Netherlands

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of CenteringPregnancy (CP) in the Netherlands on different health outcomes. A stepped wedged cluster randomized trial was used, including 2132 women of approximately 12 weeks of gestation, from thirteen primary care midwifery centres in and around Leiden, Netherlands. Data collection was done through self-administered questionnaires. Multilevel intention-to-treat analysis and propensity score matching for the entire group and separately for nulliparous- and multiparous women were employed. The main outcomes were: health behaviour, health literacy, psychological outcomes, health care use, and satisfaction with care. Women's participation in CP is associated with lower alcohol consumption after birth (OR = 0.59, 95 %CI 0.42-0.84), greater consistency with norms for healthy eating and physical activity (β = 0.19, 95 %CI 0.02-0.37), and higher knowledge about pregnancy (β = 0.05, 95 %CI 0.01-0.08). Compared to the control group, nulliparous women who participating in CP reported better compliance to the norm for healthy eating and physical activity (β = 0.28, 95 %CI0.06-0.51)) and multiparous CP participants consumed less alcohol after giving birth (OR = 0.42, 95 %CI 0.23-0.78). Health care use and satisfaction rates were significantly higher among CP participants. A non-significant trend toward lower smoking rates was documented among CP participants. Overall, the results of this study reveal a positive (postpartum) impact on fostering healthy behaviours among participants.

Effects of the online and offline hybrid continuous group care on maternal and infant health: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The group care is a well-established maternal care model that has been widely used in many developed countries, but in China, it is confined to prenatal care services. In addition, affected by traditional birth culture, Chinese women tend to focus more on their fetuses and newborns but lack attention to their own intrapartum and postpartum care. The aim of this study was to construct and implement a prenatal, intrapartum, and the postpartum continuous group care model that combines online and offline service in Hainan Province, China, and to evaluate the effect on maternal women and newborns.

METHODS

This study was a randomized controlled trial involving 144 pregnant women in a first-class tertiary general hospital in Hainan Province, China. Women were divided into an intervention group and a control group using the random number table, with 72 women in each group. The control group received routine maternal care services, and the intervention group received the continuous group care based on the routine maternal care services. Count data such as rate of cesarean section and incidence rate of fetal macrosomia were analyzed with the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, and the General Self-efficacy Scale scores were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant, with two-sided probability values.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the rate of excessive prenatal weight gain, cesarean section, and 42-day postpartum depression were significantly lower in the intervention group (P < 0.05), and higher General Self-efficacy Scale scores (in the expectant period and 42 days postpartum) and exclusive breastfeeding rate (42 days postpartum) (P < 0.05). The incidence of fetal macrosomia was significantly lower in the intervention group (P < 0.05). But there was no significant difference in birth weight, preterm birth, the incidence of low-birth-weight infants and 1-min Apgar score (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The continuous group care with online and offline service can effectively control the gestational weight gain, reduce the rate of cesarean section, macrosomia, and postpartum depression. It can improve the self-efficacy of women and the rate of exclusive breastfeeding effectively.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Regestry (ChiCTR2200065765, 04/11/2022, Retrospectively registered).

Women's Expectations of and Satisfaction with Antenatal Care Services in a Semi-Urban Setting in Tanzania and Associated Factors: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Women's satisfaction has been found to be a good indicator of quality of care and is associated with the utilization of healthcare services. Women's needs and satisfaction could be improved through the provision of high-quality antenatal care services. This study assessed women's expectations of and satisfaction with antenatal care and their associated factors in a semiurban setting in Tanzania. A cross-sectional survey using the Expectations and Satisfaction with the Prenatal Care Questionnaire (PESPC) was used to measure pregnant women's expectations of and satisfaction with antenatal care in the two districts of Kibaha and Bagamoyo, involving 338 pregnant women. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. In the expectation subscale, women had high expectations for personalized care (78.4%), other services (from a social worker and nutritionist) (68.8%), and complete care (being taken care of on time, receiving excellent care, and receiving information without prompting) (60.9%), while expectations for continuity of care were the lowest (38.9%). In the satisfaction subscale, women were highly satisfied with providers' care (being cared for with respect, healthcare provision, the way they were made to feel, and the ability to ask questions) (88.9%), while the least satisfying aspect was system characteristics (e.g., waiting times, scheduling, parking, tests and examinations, and facilities) (63.4%). Distance from a health facility was a significant predictor of both women's expectations of and satisfaction with antenatal care services, while age and number of pregnancies were also significant predictors of antenatal care expectations. To meet expectations for quality antenatal care services and improve satisfaction with antenatal care, policymakers should improve system characteristics, including the availability of human resources and medical supplies, increased consultation time, flexible schedules, and reduced waiting time. Additionally, ensuring the accessibility of evidence-based health information is important for increasing health literacy among pregnant women.

CenteringPregnancy: A Review of Implementation and Outcomes

Importance

CenteringPregnancy (CP) is a model for group prenatal care associated with improved perinatal outcomes for preterm birth and low birthweight, increased rates of breastfeeding, and higher rates of patient and clinician satisfaction.

Objective

The study aims to review the literature related to perinatal outcomes associated with CP, benefits and barriers to implementation, and utility of the model.

Evidence

An electronic-based search was performed in PubMed using the search terms "CenteringPregnancy" OR "Centering Pregnancy," revealing 221 articles.

Results

The CP model improves patient centeredness, efficiency, and equality in prenatal care. Challenges include administrative buy-in, limited resources, and financial support. Multisite retrospective studies of CP demonstrate improved maternal, neonatal, postpartum, and well-being outcomes, especially for participants from minority backgrounds; however, prospective studies had mixed results. CenteringPregnancy is feasibly implemented with high tenet fidelity in several low- and middle-income settings with improved perinatal outcomes compared with traditional care.

Conclusions

CenteringPregnancy is feasible to implement, largely accepted by communities, and shows positive qualitative and quantitative health outcomes. This body of literature supports CP as a potential tool for decreasing racial inequalities in prenatal access, quality of care, and maternal mortality. Further investigation is necessary to inform obstetric clinicians about the potential outcome differences that exist between group and traditional prenatal care.

Targeted health and social care interventions for women and infants who are disproportionately impacted by health inequalities in high-income countries: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Disadvantaged populations (such as women from minority ethnic groups and those with social complexity) are at an increased risk of poor outcomes and experiences. Inequalities in health outcomes include preterm birth, maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, and poor-quality care. The impact of interventions is unclear for this population, in high-income countries (HIC). The review aimed to identify and evaluate the current evidence related to targeted health and social care service interventions in HICs which can improve health inequalities experienced by childbearing women and infants at disproportionate risk of poor outcomes and experiences.

METHODS

Twelve databases searched for studies across all HICs, from any methodological design. The search concluded on 8/11/22. The inclusion criteria included interventions that targeted disadvantaged populations which provided a component of clinical care that differed from standard maternity care.

RESULTS

Forty six index studies were included. Countries included Australia, Canada, Chile, Hong Kong, UK and USA. A narrative synthesis was undertaken, and results showed three intervention types: midwifery models of care, interdisciplinary care, and community-centred services. These intervention types have been delivered singularly but also in combination of each other demonstrating overlapping features. Overall, results show interventions had positive associations with primary (maternal, perinatal, and infant mortality) and secondary outcomes (experiences and satisfaction, antenatal care coverage, access to care, quality of care, mode of delivery, analgesia use in labour, preterm birth, low birth weight, breastfeeding, family planning, immunisations) however significance and impact vary. Midwifery models of care took an interpersonal and holistic approach as they focused on continuity of carer, home visiting, culturally and linguistically appropriate care and accessibility. Interdisciplinary care took a structural approach, to coordinate care for women requiring multi-agency health and social services. Community-centred services took a place-based approach with interventions that suited the need of its community and their norms.

CONCLUSION

Targeted interventions exist in HICs, but these vary according to the context and infrastructure of standard maternity care. Multi-interventional approaches could enhance a targeted approach for at risk populations, in particular combining midwifery models of care with community-centred approaches, to enhance accessibility, earlier engagement, and increased attendance.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO Registration number: CRD42020218357.

Well Child Visit Attendance for Group Prenatal Care Participants

OBJECTIVES

Participation in group prenatal care (GPNC) has been associated with increased attendance at prenatal, family planning and postpartum visits. We explored whether GPNC participation is associated with pediatric care engagement by measuring well-child visit (WCV) attendance among infants whose births were covered by Medicaid.

METHODS

We used Medicaid claims and vital statistics from the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and GPNC site participation records (2013-2018). We compared WCV attendance of CenteringPregnancy GPNC patients to a propensity-score matched cohort of individual prenatal care patients (IPNC) across 21 prenatal care practices using linear probability models. The primary outcome measure was attending 6 or more WCVs in the first 15 months, a Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) performance measure.

RESULTS

No differences in WCV were observed when comparing any exposure to GPNC (one or more sessions) to IPNC. We identified 3191 patients who participated in GPNC and matched these with 5184 in IPNC. Participation in 5 or more GPNC sessions compared to 5 or more prenatal visits was associated with higher rates of WCV compliance over the first 15 months (4.7 percentage point difference [95% CI 3.1-6.3%, P < .001]), with stronger associations between GPNC and WCV attendance for low birthweight infants, for Black infants, and for infants of mothers with no previous live births.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests GPNC may modestly influence WCV attendance. The potential mechanisms and dose response require further investigation. Gaps in WCV attendance compared to benchmarks persist regardless of PNC model.

Group antenatal care compared with standard antenatal care for Somali-Swedish women: a historically controlled evaluation of the Hooyo Project

OBJECTIVES

Comparing language-supported group antenatal care (gANC) and standard antenatal care (sANC) for Somali-born women in Sweden, measuring overall ratings of care and emotional well-being, and testing the feasibility of the outcome measures.

DESIGN

A quasi-experimental trial with one intervention and one historical control group, nested in an intervention development and feasibility study.

SETTING

Midwifery-led antenatal care clinic in a mid-sized Swedish town.

PARTICIPANTS

Pregnant Somali-born women (<25 gestational weeks); 64 women in gANC and 81 in sANC.

INTERVENTION

Language-supported gANC (2017-2019). Participants were offered seven 60-minute group sessions with other Somali-born women led by one to two midwives, in addition to 15-30 min individual appointments with their designated midwife.

OUTCOMES

Primary outcomes were women's overall ratings of antenatal care and emotional well-being (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)) in gestational week ≥35 and 2 months post partum. Secondary outcomes were specific care experiences, information received, social support, knowledge of pregnancy danger signs and obstetric outcomes.

RESULTS

Recruitment and retention of participants were challenging. Of eligible women, 39.3% (n=106) declined to participate. No relevant differences regarding overall ratings of antenatal care between the groups were detected (late pregnancy OR 1.42, 95% CI 0.50 to 4.16 and 6-8 weeks post partum OR 2.71, 95% CI 0.88 to 9.41). The reduction in mean EPDS score was greater in the intervention group when adjusting for differences at baseline (mean difference -1.89; 95% CI -3.73 to -0.07). Women in gANC were happier with received pregnancy and birth information, for example, caesarean section where 94.9% (n=37) believed the information was sufficient compared with 17.5% (n=7) in standard care (p<0.001) in late pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

This evaluation suggests potential for language-supported gANC to improve knowledge acquisition among pregnant Somali-born women with residence in Sweden ˂10 years. An adequately powered randomised trial is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT03879200).

Group vs traditional prenatal care for improving racial equity in preterm birth and low birthweight: the Centering and Racial Disparities randomized clinical trial study

BACKGROUND

The United States has persistently high rates of preterm birth and low birthweight and is characterized by significant racial disparities in these rates. Innovative group prenatal care models, such as CenteringPregnancy, have been proposed as a potential approach to improve the rates of preterm birth and low birthweight and to reduce disparities in these pregnancy outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to test whether participation in group prenatal care would reduce the rates of preterm birth and low birthweight compared with individual prenatal care and whether group prenatal care would reduce the racial disparity in these rates between Black and White patients.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a randomized controlled trial among medically low-risk pregnant patients at a single study site. Eligible patients were stratified by self-identified race and ethnicity and randomly allocated 1:1 between group and individual prenatal care. The primary outcomes were preterm birth at <37 weeks of gestation and low birthweight of <2500 g. The primary analysis was performed according to the intent-to-treat principle. The secondary analyses were performed according to the as-treated principle using modified intent-to-treat and per-compliance approaches. The analysis of effect modification by race and ethnicity was planned.

RESULTS

A total of 2350 participants were enrolled, with 1176 assigned to group prenatal care and 1174 assigned to individual prenatal care. The study population included 952 Black (40.5%), 502 Hispanic (21.4%), 863 White (36.8%), and 31 "other races or ethnicity" (1.3%) participants. Group prenatal care did not reduce the rate of preterm birth (10.4% vs 8.7%; odds ratio, 1.22; 95% confidence interval, 0.92-1.63; P=.17) or low birthweight (9.6% vs 8.9%; odds ratio, 1.08; 95% confidence interval, 0.80-1.45; P=.62) compared with individual prenatal care. In subgroup analysis, greater attendance in prenatal care was associated with lower rates of preterm birth and low birthweight. This effect was most noticeable for the rates of low birthweight for Black participants in group care: intent to treat (51/409 [12.5%]), modified intent to treat (36/313 [11.5%]), and per compliance (20/240 [8.3%]). Although the rates of low birthweight were significantly higher for Black participants than White participants seen in individual care (adjusted odds ratio, 2.00; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-3.50), the difference was not significant for Black participants in group care compared with their White counterparts (adjusted odds ratio, 1.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.74-3.34).

CONCLUSION

There was no difference in the overall rates of preterm birth or low birthweight between group and individual prenatal care. With increased participation in group prenatal care, lower rates of preterm birth and low birthweight for Black participants were observed. The role of group care models in reducing racial disparities in these birth outcomes requires further study.

Group antenatal care (gANC) for Somali-speaking women in Sweden - a process evaluation

BACKGROUND

Language supported group antenatal care (gANC) for Somali-born women was implemented in a Swedish public ANC clinic. The women were offered seven 60-min sessions, facilitated by midwives and starting with a presentation of a selected topic, with an additional 15-min individual appointment before or after. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility for participants and midwives of implementing The Hooyo ("mother" in Somali) gANC intervention, including implementation, mechanisms of impact and contextual factors.

METHODS

A process evaluation was performed, using The Medical Research Council (MRC) guidelines for evaluating complex interventions as a framework. A range of qualitative and quantitative data sources were used including observations (n = 9), complementary, in-depth and key-informant interviews (women n = 6, midwives n = 4, interpreters and research assistants n = 3) and questionnaire data (women n = 44; midwives n = 8).

RESULTS

Language-supported gANC offered more comprehensive ANC that seemed to correspond to existing needs of the participants and could address knowledge gaps related to pregnancy, birth and the Swedish health care system. The majority of women thought listening to other pregnant women was valuable (91%), felt comfortable in the group (98%) and supported by the other women (79%), and they said that gANC suited them (79%). The intervention seemed to enhance knowledge and cultural understanding among midwives, thus contributing to more women-centred care. The intervention was not successful at involving partners in ANC.

CONCLUSIONS

The Hooyo gANC intervention was acceptable to the Somali women and to midwives, but did not lead to greater participation by fathers-to-be. The main mechanisms of impact were more comprehensive ANC and enhanced mutual cultural understanding. The position of women was strengthened in the groups, and the way in which the midwives expanded their understanding of the participants and their narratives was promising. To be feasible at a large scale, gANC might require further adaptations and the "othering" of women in risk groups should be avoided.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT03879200).

CenteringPregnancy in the Netherlands: Who engages, who doesn't, and why

BACKGROUND

CenteringPregnancy (CP), a model of group antenatal care, was implemented in 2012 in the Netherlands to improve perinatal health; CP is associated with improved pregnancy outcomes. However, motivating women to participate in CP can be difficult. As such, we explored the characteristics associated with CP uptake and attendance and then investigated whether participation differs between health care facilities. In addition, we examined the reasons why women may decline participation and the reasons for higher or lower attendance rates.

METHODS

Data from a stepped-wedge cluster randomized controlled trial were used. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine associations among women's health behavior, sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics, health care facilities, and participation and attendance in CP.

RESULTS

A total of 2562 women were included in the study, and the average participation rate was 31.6% per health care facility (range of 10%-53%). Nulliparous women, women <26 years old or >30 years old, and women reporting average or high levels of stress were more likely to participate in CP. Participation was less likely for women who had stopped smoking before prenatal intake, or who scored below average on lifestyle/pregnancy knowledge. For those participating in CP, 87% attended seven or more out of the 10 sessions, and no significant differences were found in women's characteristics when compared for higher or lower attendance rates. After the initial uptake, group attendance rates remained high.

CONCLUSION

A more comprehensive understanding of the variation in participation rate between health care facilities is required, in order to develop effective strategies to improve the recruitment of women, especially those with less knowledge and understanding of health issues and smoking habits.

Group Prenatal Care and Emergency Room Utilization

Pregnancy-related complaints are a significant driver of emergency room (ER) utilization among women. Because of additional time for patient education and provider relationships, group prenatal care may reduce ER visits among pregnant women by helping them identify appropriate care settings, improving understanding of common pregnancy discomforts, and reducing risky health behaviors. We conducted a retrospective cohort study, utilizing Medicaid claims and birth certificate data from a statewide expansion of group care, to compare ER utilization between pregnant women participating in group prenatal care and individual prenatal care. Using propensity score matching methods, we found that group care was associated with a significant reduction in the likelihood of having any ER utilization (-5.9% among women receiving any group care and -6.0% among women attending at least five group care sessions). These findings suggest that group care may reduce ER utilization among pregnant women and encourage appropriate health care utilization during pregnancy.

"They Make You Feel Less of a Human Being": Understanding and Responding to Milwaukee's Racial Disparity in Infant Mortality

BACKGROUND

Black infants die three times as often as white and Hispanic infants before their first birthday in Milwaukee, WI. Prematurity is the major cause of infant mortality, and social determinants of health contribute to this disparity.

OBJECTIVES

To understand how socioeconomic factors and racism create barriers to healthy pregnancies and birth outcomes for Black women, and identify practices necessary for overcoming these barriers.

METHODS

Thirteen collaborators (four women, four support group leaders, and five health professionals) were recruited from church support groups, a family medicine residency clinic, and the health department. Data were collected through field observations, six one-on-one interviews, one small group interview, and one focus group.

RESULTS

Thematic analysis identified six key themes related to socioeconomic factors and racism in women's and infant health: Public Apathy; Violence and Stress; Discrimination; Mistrust; Spiritual and Social Support; Reproductive Justice.

CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE

These themes point out failures in health care, social services, and policy initiatives that do not meet women's and infant needs, in addition to some opportunities to implement successful practices. Recommendations are made for policymakers, social services, health systems, and health professionals to implement systemic changes that support Black women and their families. Future applications of this work include implementing and measuring the impact of systems change to benefit Black women and families.

A systematic review of providers' experiences of facilitating group antenatal care

Background

Group antenatal care is a rapidly expanding alternative antenatal care delivery model. Research has shown it to be a safe and effective care model for women, but less is known about the perspectives of the providers leading this care. This systematic review examined published literature that considered health care professionals’ experiences of facilitating group antenatal care.

Methods

Systematic searches were conducted in seven databases (Cinahl, Medline, Psychinfo, Embase, Ovid Emcare, Global Health and MIDRS) in April 2020. Qualitative or mixed methods studies with a significant qualitative component were eligible for inclusion if they included a focus on the experiences of health care providers who had facilitated group antenatal care. Prisma screening guidelines were followed and study quality was critically appraised by three independent reviewers. The findings were synthesised thematically.

Results

Nineteen papers from nine countries were included. Three main themes emerged within provider experiences of group antenatal care. The first theme, ‘Giving women the care providers feel they want and need’, addresses richer use of time, more personal care, more support, and continuity of care. The second theme, ‘Building skills and relationships’, highlights autonomy, role development and hierarchy dissolution. The final theme, ‘Value proposition of group antenatal care’, discusses provider investment and workload.

Conclusions

Health care providers’ experience of delivering group antenatal care was positive overall. Opportunities to deliver high-quality care that benefits women and allows providers to develop their professional role were appreciated. Questions about the providers’ perspectives on workload, task shifting, and the structural changes needed to support the sustainability of group antenatal care warrant further exploration.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12978-021-01200-0.

Receiving antenatal care in a group setting has been found to be safe and satisfying for women and is supported by international public health guidelines. However, questions remain about the experience of health care professionals tasked with providing this model, such as whether they like working in this model and whether they support its expansion. To answer these questions, the team searched for studies about the experiences of health care providers with group antenatal care, and only included those studies where providers themselves spoke about their own experiences of providing this kind of care. Our review demonstrated that midwives, doctors, nurses and community health workers mostly enjoyed facilitating group antenatal care. They particularly appreciated the ability to give women the kind of care they felt women want and need. Health care providers also experienced some changes in their professional roles, in relation to both the women they serve and their colleagues and organizations. In order to determine if group antenatal care models are a satisfying and sustainable option for health care professionals in the long term, more research is needed.

Group Prenatal Care as a Strategy to Address Diabesity

Group prenatal care is a health care delivery model that utilizes shared medical appointments to place greater focus on patient education, mutual support, and increased time with the clinician to promote a healthy pregnancy. Several studies suggest that medically low-risk women participating in group prenatal care have improved pregnancy outcomes, but the same tenants can likely be used to help women with diabetes and obesity achieve healthy outcomes during pregnancy and throughout their life course. This chapter will review the background, care model, and evidence regarding group medical visits for pregnant women with diabetes and obesity.

HIV-Adapted Group Prenatal Care: Assessing Viral Suppression and Postpartum Retention in Care

Viral suppression and postpartum retention in care have far-reaching health implications for pregnant women living with HIV and their children, yet remain public health challenges. Prenatal care presents a unique opportunity to engage pregnant women in care. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether group prenatal care is effective in impacting these outcomes for pregnant women living with HIV. A retrospective cohort study was performed of all women living with HIV who obtained prenatal care from a community-based health center between 2013 and 2019. Women who spoke English or Spanish, remained within the system, and had not participated in group prenatal care previously were included. Women self-selected a prenatal care model: 85 selected group care and 109 elected individual care. Group prenatal care followed a standard Centering Pregnancy^® curriculum with the addition of HIV-related topics. The primary outcomes of the study were viral suppression (viral load <20 copies/mL) and postpartum retention in care (attending at least one or two visits with HIV primary care within 12 months postpartum). After adjusting for potential confounding factors, women who participated in group prenatal care were significantly more likely to have at least one HIV primary care visit postpartum {adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.71 [95% confidence interval (CI 1.14-6.46)]; p = 0.024}, and had a trend for achieving viral suppression by the time of delivery [aOR = 2.29 (95% CI 0.94-5.55); p = 0.068]. We have demonstrated that group prenatal care for pregnant women living with HIV is feasible and effective, with positive impacts on retention in care and viral suppression, factors that affect long-term outcomes from patients living with HIV.

Evaluation of human immunodeficiency virus-adapted group prenatal care

BACKGROUND

Efforts to further decrease perinatal transmission of HIV include efforts to improve engagement and retention in prenatal care. Group prenatal care has been reported to have benefits in certain other high-risk groups of pregnant women but has not been previously evaluated in pregnant women living with HIV.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate changes in HIV knowledge, stigma, social support, depression, self-efficacy, and medication adherence after HIV-adapted group prenatal care.

STUDY DESIGN

All women living with HIV who presented for prenatal care at ≤30 weeks' gestation in Harris Health System (Houston, TX) between September 2013 and December 2017 were offered either group or individual HIV-focused prenatal care. Patients were recruited for the study at their initial prenatal visit. HIV topics, such as HIV facts, disclosure, medication adherence, safe sex and conception, retention in care, and postdelivery baby testing, were added to the standard CenteringPregnancy curriculum (ten 2-hour sessions per pregnancy). Knowledge and attitudes toward factors associated with adherence to HIV treatment regimens (stigma, loneliness, perceived social support, and depressive symptoms) were compared on written pre- and postsurveys. Surveys included 58 items derived from validated scales, with Likert and dichotomous responses. McNemar's test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and paired t-tests compared pre- and postsurvey responses.

RESULTS

A total of 190 women living with HIV received prenatal care in the clinic during the study period, 93 (49%) of whom participated in CenteringHIV. A total of 66 Centering participants enrolled in the study and 42 of those completed the pre- and postsurveys. Among women in the Centering program who completed pre- and postsurveys, significant differences were noted with improved perceived social support from family (P=.011) and friends (P=.005), decreased depression (Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale, ≥10; 43% vs 18%; P<.001; Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale score mean (standard deviation), 9.3 (5.8) pre vs 5.2 (4.9) post; P<.001), and decreased missed medication doses related to depressed mood (P=.014). No statistically significant differences were noted in HIV knowledge, HIV stigma, attitude, or self-efficacy.

CONCLUSION

HIV-focused group prenatal care may positively affect perceived social support and depression scores, factors that are closely associated with antiretroviral adherence and retention in the care for pregnant women living with HIV.

Core strategies, social processes, and contextual influences of early phases of implementation and statewide scale-up of group prenatal care in South Carolina

This mixed-methods process evaluation examined a state-wide, interagency collaborative in South Carolina that expanded CenteringPregnancy group prenatal care from two to five additional healthcare practices from 2012 to 2015. The evaluation focused on delineating core processes, strategies, and external contextual elements of group prenatal care implementation and scale-up. Success of this scale-up was enhanced by the effective use and creation of windows of opportunity, which allowed stakeholders to pursue actions consistent with their own values, at both state and organizational levels. Most importantly, strong political advocacy and state-level financial commitment for group prenatal care made it possible for clinics throughout South Carolina to begin providing CenteringPregnancy to their patients. Improved understanding of the processes involved in scaling-up pilot interventions may enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of future expansion efforts.

Group-Based Naturopathic Education for Primary Prevention of Noncommunicable Disease in Families and Children: A Feasibility Study

Objectives: Naturopathic medicine has demonstrated efficacy at reducing risk factors for chronic disease. Targeting health behaviors of parents and caregivers in a group-based setting may improve the behaviors of children in their care. This study sought to assess the feasibility of such a program. Design: Participants of a six-session health education series were invited to respond to surveys and participate in a focus group about their health behaviors and their experience in the program. Subjects: Caregivers of children aged 0-6 attending publicly funded community centers in Ontario, Canada. Interventions: A 6-week group-based naturopathic education program to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors among caregivers. Outcome measures: Satisfaction with content and delivery, and frequency of healthy behaviors. Results: The majority of responses indicated satisfaction with the program, and an ongoing benefit 6 weeks and more after completion. There was a clear correlation between healthy behaviors of parents and children. Conclusions: A group-based naturopathic education program may be a feasible method of delivering primary-prevention education to caregivers, particularly in the domains of practicality and acceptability.

Design and Implementation of a Group Prenatal Care Model for Somali Women at a Low-Resource Health Clinic

OBJECTIVE

To design and implement group prenatal care (GPC) for Somali women and to evaluate participants' satisfaction, knowledge, and care engagement.

DESIGN

Quality improvement project.

SETTING/LOCAL PROBLEM

A federally qualified health center in an urban Midwestern setting, which serves a largely East African immigrant and refugee population.

PARTICIPANTS

Pregnant Somali women at more than 20 weeks gestation receiving prenatal care at the project site. Many participants were non-English speaking.

INTERVENTION/MEASUREMENTS

While honoring the 13 essential elements of CenteringPregnancy, the model was adapted to the East African population at the project site and offered to all eligible women receiving individual prenatal care at the clinic. Women attended biweekly sessions, including individual assessment and education, exposure to integrative health therapies, and group discussion. Pre- and postintervention data were collected in surveys and in-depth interviews from March through August 2017.

RESULTS

Seventeen Somali women attended a median of two sessions (range = 1-7). Self-reported results for knowledge of safe exercise in pregnancy (p = .02), exclusive breastfeeding (p = .04), what happens in the hospital (p = .02), and stress management (p = .03) increased after GPC participation. Ninety-three percent of women preferred GPC to individual care.

CONCLUSION

When adapted to meet the needs of Somali women, GPC has the potential to improve care satisfaction, increase knowledge, and reduce stress during pregnancy and the postpartum period. This model may interest women and care providers in similar community health care settings.

Implementing Group Prenatal Care in Southwest Georgia Through Public-Private Partnerships

Introduction CenteringPregnancy® is well-regarded as an innovative group model of prenatal care. In 2009, Georgia's Southwest Public Health District partnered with local obstetricians and medical centers to expand prenatal care access and improve perinatal outcomes for low-income women by implementing Georgia's first public health administered CenteringPregnancy program. This paper describes the successful implementation of CenteringPregnancy in a public health setting with no prior prenatal services; assesses the program's first 5-year perinatal outcomes; and discusses several key lessons learned. Methods Prenatal and hospital medical records of patients were reviewed for the time period from October 2009 through October 2014. Descriptive analyses were conducted to examine demographic and clinical characteristics of women initiating prenatal care and to assess perinatal outcomes among patients with singleton live births who attended at least three CenteringPregnancy sessions or delivered prior to attending the third session. Results Six hundred and six low-income women initiated prenatal care; 55.4 and 36.4% self-identified as non-Hispanic black and Hispanic, respectively. The median age was 23 years (IQR 20, 28). Nearly 69% initiated prenatal care in the first trimester. Perinatal outcomes were examined among 338 singleton live births. The 2010-2014 preterm birth rate (% of births < 37 weeks gestation at delivery) and low birth weight rate (% of births < 2500 g) were 9.1 and 8.9%, respectively. Nearly 77% of women initiated breastfeeding. Discussion CenteringPregnancy administered via public-private partnership may improve access to prenatal care and perinatal outcomes for medically underserved women in low-resource settings.

Maternal Behavioral Health: Fertile Ground for Behavior Analysis

The World Health Organization has identified four behavioral health priorities as risk factors for noncommunicable diseases in maternal populations: tobacco use, harmful alcohol use, poor nutrition, and lack of physical activity. These risk factors also significantly affect pregnant and immediately postpartum mothers, doubling the health risk and economic burden by adversely affecting maternal and birth or infant outcomes. Psychosocial and behavioral interventions are ideal for pregnant and immediately postpartum women as opposed to pharmacotherapy. Among other behavioral interventions, the use of incentives based on the principles of reinforcement has been a successful yet controversial way to change health behaviors. Implementing an incentive-based intervention in maternal health often brings up social validity concerns. The existing guideline on how to develop and conduct research in incentive-based interventions for maternal health lacks enough information on the specific variables to control for to maintain the intervention's effectiveness. This article outlines some of the critical variables in implementing an effective behavior-analytic intervention and addressing social validity concerns to change maternal behaviors in a sustainable manner, along with specific research topics needed in the field to prevent adverse maternal, birth, and infant outcomes.

The Impact of Introducing Centering Pregnancy in a Community Health Setting: A Qualitative Study of Experiences and Perspectives of Health Center Clinical and Support Staff

Objectives Introducing new programming into an existing setting may be challenging. Understanding how staff and clinicians who are not directly involved in program delivery view the program can help support program implementation. This study aimed to understand how peripheral staff and clinicians perceived a newly implemented Centering Pregnancy group prenatal care program in a community-based health center and its impact on clinic operations. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 12 staff members at a community-based health center. The interview guide covered topics such as perceptions of Centering Pregnancy and how the program impacted their work. An interpretive description approach was used to analyze the interview data. A coding framework was developed iteratively and all interview data were analyzed independently by multiple researchers. Results Staff had overall positive perceptions of Centering Pregnancy, but the level of understanding about the program varied widely. Most respondents viewed the Centering Pregnancy program as separate from other programs offered by the clinic, which created both opportunities and challenges. Opportunities included increased cross-referrals between established services and Centering Pregnancy. Challenges included a lack of communication about responsibilities of staff in relation to Centering Pregnancy patients. Impact on staff and overall clinic operations was perceived to be minimal to moderate, and most tensions related to roles and expectations were resolved. Conclusions for Practice Clear communication regarding fit within clinic structures and processes and expectations of staff in relation to the program was critical to the integration of Centering Pregnancy program into an established health center.

Group prenatal care

Patients participating in group prenatal care gather together with women of similar gestational ages and 2 providers who cofacilitate an educational session after a brief medical assessment. The model was first described in the 1990s by a midwife for low-risk patients and is now practiced by midwives and physicians for both low-risk patients and some high-risk patients, such as those with diabetes. The majority of literature on group prenatal care uses CenteringPregnancy, the most popular model. The first randomized controlled trial of CenteringPregnancy showed that it reduced the risk of preterm birth in low-risk women. However, recent meta-analyses have shown similar rates of preterm birth, low birthweight, and neonatal intensive care unit admission between women participating in group prenatal care and individual prenatal care. There may be subgroups, such as African Americans, who benefit from this type of prenatal care with significantly lower rates of preterm birth. Group prenatal care seems to result in increased patient satisfaction and knowledge and use of postpartum family planning as well as improved weight gain parameters. The literature is inconclusive regarding breast-feeding, stress, depression, and positive health behaviors, although it is theorized that group prenatal care positively affects these outcomes. It is unclear whether group prenatal care results in cost savings, although it may in large-volume practices if each group consists of approximately 8-10 women. Group prenatal care requires a significant paradigm shift. It can be difficult to implement and sustain. More randomized trials are needed to ascertain the true benefits of the model, best practices for implementation, and subgroups who may benefit most from this innovative way to provide prenatal care. In short, group prenatal care is an innovative and promising model with comparable pregnancy outcomes to individual prenatal care in the general population and improved outcomes in some demographic groups.

Expect With Me: development and evaluation design for an innovative model of group prenatal care to improve perinatal outcomes

BACKGROUND

Despite biomedical advances and intervention efforts, rates of preterm birth and other adverse outcomes in the United States have remained relatively intransigent. Evidence suggests that group prenatal care can reduce these risks, with implications for maternal and child health as well as substantial cost savings. However, widespread dissemination presents challenges, in part because training and health systems have not been designed to deliver care in a group setting. This manuscript describes the design and evaluation of Expect With Me, an innovative model of group prenatal care with a strong integrated information technology (IT) platform designed to be scalable nationally.

METHODS/DESIGN

Expect With Me follows clinical guidelines from the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Expect With Me incorporates the best evidence-based features of existing models of group care with a novel integrated IT platform designed to improve patient engagement and support, enhance health behaviors and decision making, connect providers and patients, and improve health service delivery. A multisite prospective longitudinal cohort study is being conducted to examine the impact of Expect With Me on perinatal and postpartum outcomes, and to identify and address barriers to national scalability. Process and outcome evaluation will include quantitative and qualitative data collection at patient, provider, and organizational levels. Mixed-method data collection includes patient surveys, medical record reviews, patient focus groups; provider surveys, session evaluations, provider focus groups and in-depth interviews; an online tracking system; and clinical site visits. A two-to-one matched cohort of women receiving individual care from each site will provide a comparison group (n = 1,000 Expect With Me patients; n = 2,000 individual care patients) for outcome and cost analyses.

DISCUSSION

By bundling prevention and care services into a high-touch, high-tech group prenatal care model, Expect With Me has the potential to result in fundamental changes to the health care system to meet the "triple aim:" better healthcare quality, improved outcomes, and lower costs. Findings from this study will be used to optimize the dissemination and effectiveness of this model.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02169024 . Retrospectively registered on June 18, 2014.