A qualitative study of the experience of CenteringPregnancy group prenatal care for physicians

Siobhan M Dolan,Suzanne C Tough,Monica Vekved,Deborah A McNeil,Sarah Horn,Jodi Siever

doi:10.1186/1471-2393-13-s1-s6

Abstract

BackgroundThis study sought to understand the central meaning of the experience of group prenatal care for physicians who were involved in providing CenteringPregnancy through a maternity clinic in Calgary, Canada.MethodThe study followed the phenomenological qualitative tradition. Three physicians involved in group prenatal care participated in a one-on-one interview between November and December 2009. Two physicians participated in verification sessions. Interviews followed an open ended general guide and were audio recorded and transcribed. The purpose of the analysis was to identify meaning themes and the core meaning experienced by the physicians.ResultsSix themes emerged: (1) having a greater exchange of information, (2) getting to knowing, (3) seeing women get to know and support each other, (4) sharing ownership of care, (5) having more time, and (6) experiencing enjoyment and satisfaction in providing care. These themes contributed to the core meaning for physicians of “providing richer care.”ConclusionsPhysicians perceived providing better care and a better professional experience through CenteringPregnancy compared to their experience of individual prenatal care. Thus, CenteringPregnancy could improve work place satisfaction, increase retention of providers in maternity care, and improve health care for women.

Highlights

In 2006, approximately 90% of pregnant women in Canada received prenatal care through one-on-one visits with a physician (58% from an obstetrician/gynaecologist and 34% from a family physician) with 6% receiving care from a midwife [1]
Physicians perceived providing better care and a better professional experience through CenteringPregnancy compared to their experience of individual prenatal care
Research evidence suggests that women who participate in group prenatal care, the CenteringPregnancy

Summary

Introduction

In 2006, approximately 90% of pregnant women in Canada received prenatal care through one-on-one visits with a physician (58% from an obstetrician/gynaecologist and 34% from a family physician) with 6% receiving care from a midwife [1]. The declining rate of North American family physicians who are involved in providing primary care obstetrics [9,10,11,12] and the relatively low job satisfaction among obstetricians [13,14] is reducing the capacity of the future workforce to handle the care of pregnant and delivering women [15]. Understanding the physician’s professional experience of a particular model of care, such as CenteringPregnancy, could aid medical associations and health care systems in developing strategies to improve job satisfaction among those practicing obstetrics and increase the involvement of family physicians and residents in primary care obstetrics. This study sought to understand the central meaning of the experience of group prenatal care for physicians who were involved in providing CenteringPregnancy through a maternity clinic in Calgary, Canada

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Methods

Results

Conclusion