This project was contributed by the sponsoring organization/agency. If you have a project you would like to share, please fill out our online survey. Inclusion in the Transforming Maternity Care Directory does not imply endorsement by Childbirth Connection. See our guidelines.
Project Title
Group Prenatal and Well Baby Care
Organization/Agency
UNC Department of Family Medicine
Primary Contact Name and Title
Barbara A. Hotelling, Perinatal Nurse Coordinator
Project Aim and Goals
Group Prenatal Care was started around 2001-2002 and we offer 12 groups yearly. Baby groups were piloted in the 2005 timeframe and packaged/started in 2007. We have done multiple national presentations on group care at organizational meetings.
Blueprint Area(s) Addressed
Strategies Used
- New care delivery model (e.g., group prenatal care; home visiting, accountable care organization, medical home)
- Shared decision-making
- Consumer advocacy or political action
Results
In this initial study, participants showed utilization patterns and vaccination rates similar to those of babies receiving individual care. Qualitative findings demonstrated high satisfaction, mutual support, shared learning, parental involvement, and more time with providers as key outcomes for parents. By providing ample time for preventive services and involving parents where appropriate, WellBabies group visits increase the likelihood that prevention is adequately addressed. Additionally, positive patient response to group well-child visits may aid in recruitment and retention of pediatric patients in the practice.
Only 4 of the 21 WellBabies participants in the first year of the program left the practice, and they did so because their families relocated. Perhaps the most important finding concerns the degree of social support the participants described. In expressing the value they place not only on the support they receive, but also on the opportunity to provide it, our participants touch on a key factor in postpartum mental health.
Articles About The Project
Page, C., Reid, A., Hoagland, E., and Leonard, S.B. (2010). WellBabies: Mothers’ perspectives on an innovative model of group well-child care. 42(3): 202-207. [Full Text Article (PDF)]
For More Information
Barbara A. Hotelling, bhotelli@unch.unc.edu