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Do postpartum nursery visits by the primary care provider make a difference?
J R Serwint1, M H Wilson, A K Duggan
1Division of General Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins Hospital Children's Center, Baltimore, MD 21205.
Pediatrics
|September 1, 1991
Summary
A postpartum visit with the neonate's primary care provider and phone access improved healthcare utilization for mothers. However, it did not significantly impact infant immunizations, maternal knowledge, anxiety, or depression.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Maternal Health
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Postpartum care is crucial for maternal and infant well-being.
- Establishing a relationship with the primary care provider early can influence healthcare seeking behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a combined postpartum visit and telephone access intervention on healthcare utilization and maternal outcomes.
- To assess if this intervention enhances the mother-provider relationship and maternal knowledge.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, randomized clinical trial involving 251 mother-neonate pairs.
- Intervention group received a postpartum visit with the neonate's future primary care provider plus telephone access.
- Control group received standard postpartum care.
Main Results:
- Mothers in the intervention group had higher rates of scheduled clinic visits within 30 days (P=.003) and sought care more often (P=.006).
- Intervention mothers attempted phone contact with their physician more frequently (P<.001).
- No significant differences were observed in emergency room use, immunization rates, maternal knowledge, anxiety, or depression.
Conclusions:
- The intervention effectively improved certain aspects of healthcare utilization and strengthened the mother-clinician relationship.
- Further research may be needed to address other maternal and infant health outcomes.