Addressing Maternal Health Disparities: Building a Novel Two-Generation Approach to Comprehensive Postpartum Care

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Maternal-Child Health

Background:

• The U.S. faces a maternal health crisis with rising severe maternal morbidity and mortality.
• Existing postpartum care models often fail to address the comprehensive needs of mothers and children, particularly in underserved communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the novel Two-Generation Clinic (Two-Gen) model of care.
• To evaluate the initial implementation and outcomes of the Two-Gen model in a diverse patient population.

Main Methods:

• The Two-Gen model integrates simultaneous maternal and pediatric care using a dyadic strategy.
• It incorporates a collaborative care approach, delivering seamless primary and behavioral health care.
• A transdisciplinary team provides comprehensive services, with co-scheduled and co-located dyad clinic visits.

Main Results:

• The majority of mothers (89%) identified as racial/ethnic minorities, and over 40% had a mental health diagnosis.
• High rates of screening (97.8%) and engagement with social work (>50%) and lactation counseling (50%) were observed.
• Over 80% of children were up-to-date with well-child visits and immunizations.

Conclusions:

• The Two-Gen model demonstrates potential for improving maternal and child health outcomes.
• This integrated care approach shows promise for promoting health equity in populations with high maternal health disparities.