How Lamaze-prepared expectant parents select obstetricians.

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Consumer Health Behavior

Background:

• Consumer involvement in healthcare decision-making is increasing.
• Physician selection is a key aspect of healthcare consumerism, particularly for expectant parents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the factors expectant parents consider important when selecting an obstetrician.
• To compare the priorities of husbands and wives in obstetrician selection.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to expectant parents attending prepared childbirth classes.
• Participants individually ranked the importance of various factors related to obstetrician selection before and after childbirth.

Main Results:

• Effective communication by the obstetrician was the most critical factor identified.
• The competence of the obstetrician's nursing staff was highly valued, surpassing recommendations, fees, and experience.
• Husbands showed greater concern for their wives' treatment, while wives prioritized their own involvement in the childbirth process.

Conclusions:

• Patient-provider communication and ancillary staff competence are paramount in obstetrician selection.
• Anticipated trends in healthcare consumer preferences highlight the importance of interpersonal and supportive aspects of care.