Obstetrical practice survey report. Healthy Futures Program, May 2, 1991

Area of Science:

• Medical Practice
• Public Health
• Health Economics

Background:

• Obstetric care is a critical component of women's health.
• Physician practice patterns significantly influence healthcare access and outcomes.
• Understanding trends in obstetric practice is vital for addressing potential disparities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey Oklahoma physicians regarding their current obstetric practice patterns.
• To identify changes in obstetric practice and the reasons behind them.
• To assess the impact of professional liability and insurance on obstetric care provision.

Main Methods:

• A survey was distributed to 611 physicians in obstetrics/gynecology, family practice, and general practice in Oklahoma.
• Respondents represented a diverse sample across practice types, locations, and demographics.
• Data collected included practice details, changes made, reasons for changes, insurance requirements, and global fees.

Main Results:

• Over 90% of physicians provide both prenatal care and delivery services.
• Cesarean section rates varied significantly by specialty: 97.6% for ob/gyns, 56.5% for family practitioners, and 18.9% for general practitioners.
• Half of physicians reported changes in practice, primarily reducing care for high-risk, uninsured, or Medicaid patients due to malpractice concerns, inconvenience, and insurance costs.

Conclusions:

• Physician decisions to alter obstetric practice are significantly influenced by professional liability concerns and economic factors.
• Reductions in care for vulnerable populations may exacerbate healthcare access issues in Oklahoma.
• The findings highlight the need for strategies to mitigate malpractice risks and support physicians providing essential obstetric services.