Obstetric Provider Maldistribution: Georgia, USA, 2011
Bridget Spelke1, Adrienne D Zertuche2, Roger Rochat3,4
1Emory University School of Medicine, 1648 Pierce Dr NE, Atlanta, GA, 30307, USA. mspelke@wihri.edu.
Maternal and Child Health Journal
|April 17, 2016
Summary
Georgia faces significant obstetric provider shortages, with over half of its regions lacking adequate care. Without improved recruitment, most areas will have deficient or no obstetric services by 2020, impacting maternal and infant health.
Area of Science:
- Maternal and Infant Health Research
- Healthcare Workforce Analysis
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- Georgia exhibited high maternal and infant mortality rates in 2010.
- A declining obstetrician/gynecologist (ob/gyn) workforce was noted statewide.
- Existing data masked regional disparities in obstetric care access.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess obstetric provider distribution across Georgia's Primary Care Service Areas (PCSAs).
- To identify regions with obstetric service deficiencies.
- To project future obstetric care capacity based on workforce trends.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed 63 birthing facilities across 82 rural PCSAs.
- Collected data on obstetric provider demographics and projected departures.
- Calculated "OB equivalents" using standardized delivery rates per provider type (OB, CNM, FP).
- Determined Average Annual Births Per Provider (AABP) to categorize workforce adequacy (adequate, at risk, deficient).
Main Results:
- 52% of surveyed PCSAs (43/82) were classified as having deficient obstetric care.
- 16% of PCSAs (13/82) experienced an obstetric provider shortage.
- 37% of PCSAs (30/82) completely lacked obstetric providers.
- Absence of delivering Family Medicine physicians (FP) in 89% and Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM) in 70% of PCSAs.
- Projected that 72% of PCSAs will face deficient or no obstetric care by 2020 without improved recruitment.
Conclusions:
- Significant obstetric provider shortages exist in Georgia, limiting access to essential prenatal and delivery services.
- The number of obstetric care-deficient areas is expected to increase.
- Urgent strategies for recruiting and retaining obstetric professionals are necessary to address worsening care gaps.
More Related Videos
05:46Introduction of Intracapsular Rotary-cut Procedures IRCP: A Modified Hysteromyomectomy Procedures Facilitating Fertility Preservation
Published on: January 17, 2019
10.8K
03:49Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse POP Quantification System
Published on: September 20, 2018
21.3K
Related Concept Videos
01:29Issues And Trends In Healthcare Delivery System
6.4K
The issues and trends in healthcare delivery are constantly changing. The COVID-19 pandemic is one recent issue that wreaked havoc on healthcare systems, causing a shortage of healthcare workers, high demand for medicines and supplies, and increased medical expenditure due to a lack of insurance. Other issues include rising healthcare costs and care fragmentation.
Cost Containment
Payment for healthcare services has historically promoted adoption of costly and often unnecessary or inefficient...
Cost Containment
Payment for healthcare services has historically promoted adoption of costly and often unnecessary or inefficient...
6.4K
01:21Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems
123
Controlled-release systems for intravaginal and intrauterine drug delivery have been developed primarily for the administration of contraceptive steroid hormones. These delivery routes circumvent first-pass hepatic metabolism, thereby enhancing bioavailability and allowing for reduced systemic dosages compared to oral administration. Such approaches contribute to improved therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance, particularly in long-term contraceptive regimens.Intravaginal Drug Delivery...
123
01:26Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
4.2K
At the different levels of the healthcare system, we see varying methods of healthcare used. These methods include managed care systems, case management, and primary healthcare.
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is...
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is...
4.2K
01:30Primary Healthcare Services
2.6K
Primary care promotes wellness and prevents disease. This care includes health promotion, education, protection (such as immunizations), early disease screening, and environmental considerations. Settings providing this type of healthcare include physician offices, public health clinics, school nursing, and community health nursing.
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
2.6K
01:18Introduction To Health Care Delivery System
4.5K
The healthcare system is constantly changing and complex. Various services are available from different healthcare providers, but gaining access to these services has become challenging for people with limited healthcare insurance. Uninsured people present a challenge to healthcare because they frequently postpone or forego treatment.
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) advocates for a patient-centered, effective, safe, timely, equitable, and effective healthcare system. The National Priorities...
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) advocates for a patient-centered, effective, safe, timely, equitable, and effective healthcare system. The National Priorities...
4.5K
01:30Preventive Healthcare Services
2.3K
Preventive healthcare services keep people healthy via frequent check-ups, screening, and counseling. They primarily aid in disease prevention rather than treating an acute or chronic illness. Preventive treatment also keeps individuals productive and energetic, allowing them to work well into their retirement years. Examples of preventive care services include:
2.3K