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Collaborative care for obstetric patients at low and high risk: an evolving model
M C Boudreaux1, J M Miller, J Wightkin
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, LSU Medical Center, New Orleans 70112, USA.
Summary
Collaborative care programs can successfully expand to include high-risk prenatal patients, improving care access and outcomes. This model enhanced patient retention and reduced inadequate prenatal care in an underserved urban community.
Area of Science:
- Maternal Health
- Public Health
- Healthcare Delivery Models
Background:
- Collaborative care models have shown success in low-risk populations.
- Underserved urban communities face unique challenges in prenatal care access and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the evolution of a collaborative care program from a low-risk to a high-risk prenatal population.
- To evaluate the program's impact on patient volume, retention, and adequacy of care.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive analysis of clinic records and vital statistics over a 3-year period.
- Review of 180 patients from an urban, underserved neighborhood's prenatal program.
- Inclusion of patients at high psychosocial risk and those with medical/obstetric complications.
Main Results:
- The program successfully served a high-risk population, with most patients at psychosocial risk and common infections.
- Increased patient volume and improved retention for complete prenatal care and delivery were observed.
- A reduction in patients receiving no or inadequate care and a decrease in yearly births were noted.
Conclusions:
- The collaborative practice model is adaptable and effective for high-risk prenatal populations.
- This model can improve healthcare access and outcomes in underserved areas.