Provider Perception and Office Practices of the Initial Prenatal Visit Pre – Coronavirus 2019 Pandemic

Authors

Arlin Delgado, University of South FloridaFollow
Emma Hale, University of South FloridaFollow
Jay Schulkin, University of WashingtonFollow
Charles Macri, The George Washington UniversityFollow
Kimberly Fryer, University of South FloridaFollow

Publication Date

11-29-2021

Abstract

Background Prenatal Care is a critical aspect of women’s health and current literature shows adequate care significantly reduces risk of adverse outcomes. With scientific advancement, the initial prenatal visit is increasingly tasked with more objectives that leave providers with barriers to provide appropriate and adequate care.

Purpose The aim of this survey study was to determine clinical practices of the initial prenatal visit – regarding history taking, counseling, lab work and screening prior to the onset of COVID-19 Pandemic.

Methods A one-time anonymous provider survey was distributed electronically to all obstetrics providers in the Tampa Bay Region in Florida. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were performed for data analysis.

Results A total of 67 responses were completed, and 58 responses analyzed after vetting for greater than 75% completion. Providers reported the initial visit most commonly occurring in the 1^st trimester, and 90.2% reported the initial visit was completed via in-office visits. One provider reported completing this visit via nursing phone call. 32.5% of providers allocated 30-minutes and 34.1% reported allocating 45-minutes for an office visit. 50% of providers felt there were able to appropriately counsel patients in visits that lasted up to 1 hour. All providers reported collecting a patient’s history themselves for the majority of topics (90% or more).

Discussion Providers reported the initial prenatal visit occurring most commonly in the 1^st trimester as an in-office visit. Providers utilized routine blood work, and genetic screening per guidelines. Medical doctors reported the lowest rates of direct discussion and review of prenatal counseling topics when compared to mid-level practitioners. Given the onset and ongoing COVID-2019 pandemic since this survey study was completed, future studies should see how the implementation of telehealth medicine has impacted practices.

Recommended Citation

Delgado, Arlin; Hale, Emma; Schulkin, Jay; Macri, Charles; and Fryer, Kimberly (2021) "Provider Perception and Office Practices of the Initial Prenatal Visit Pre – Coronavirus 2019 Pandemic," Florida Public Health Review: Vol. 18, Article 4.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/fphr/vol18/iss1/4