Staff evaluation of a high-risk pregnancy program

Area of Science:

• Maternal Health
• Public Health Programs
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• A southeastern state initiated a multidisciplinary healthcare program targeting Medicaid-eligible, high-risk pregnant women and their infants.
• The program aimed to decrease perinatal morbidity and mortality statewide.
• This initiative focused on improving health outcomes for a vulnerable population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the operational effectiveness of the high-risk pregnancy program from the perspective of its staff.
• To identify perceived strengths and limitations of the program.
• To understand barriers affecting program operation and patient access.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was administered to clinical, supervisory, and clerical staff involved in the program (N=182).
• The survey collected data on program operations, perceived benefits, and identified challenges.
• Data analysis focused on staff-reported strengths, weaknesses, and barriers.

Main Results:

• Staff identified strengths including nurse case management, interdisciplinary collaboration, quality of care, and positive health outcomes.
• Identified limitations comprised insufficient staff and time, rigid protocols, administrative burdens, and restrictive enrollment criteria.
• Key operational barriers included excessive paperwork, inadequate support, time constraints, patient tracking difficulties, and mandated contact timeframes.
• Transportation was reported as the primary barrier to patient access.

Conclusions:

• Ongoing staff evaluation is crucial for optimizing perinatal healthcare programs.
• Addressing identified limitations and barriers can enhance program efficiency and patient access.
• The findings underscore the importance of resource allocation and protocol flexibility in high-risk maternal healthcare.