Patient-Perceived Satisfaction and Knowledge Uptake in a Combined Cardio-Obstetrics Clinic

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Obstetrics
• Public Health

Background:

• Heart disease is the primary cause of pregnancy-related mortality in the US.
• Combined cardio-obstetrics (COB) clinics are emerging as a vital model for prenatal care.
• Collaborative care models in medicine generally improve outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate patient satisfaction within a combined cardio-obstetrics clinic.
• To assess if the COB model enhances perceived communication and patient knowledge uptake.
• To determine patient preference for this integrated care approach.

Main Methods:

• A quality questionnaire was administered to patients (n=119) who attended COB clinics between 2014-2020.
• Patient perceptions of communication, satisfaction, and knowledge were assessed using a Likert scale.
• Contraceptive use before and after clinic visits was evaluated to gauge knowledge increase.

Main Results:

• Patients reported high satisfaction with the clinic (6.2 ± 1.5), provider communication (6.1 ± 1.6), and the multidisciplinary approach (6.3 ± 1.5).
• Participants indicated an increase in knowledge regarding heart disease due to collaborative counseling.
• The study suggests a positive patient experience with the COB model.

Conclusions:

• A multidisciplinary cardio-obstetrics approach is a significant patient satisfier.
• Integrated care models in cardio-obstetrics enhance patient satisfaction, communication, and knowledge.
• COB clinics represent a valuable and preferred model for prenatal care in high-risk pregnancies.