Date of Publication
2024
Project Team
Dr. Holly Whitcomb, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC
Abstract
Background: Maternal morbidity and mortality rates in the United States are on the rise, with half of maternal deaths occurring during the postpartum period. Poorly managed transitions of care, the movement of patients between healthcare settings, contribute significantly to adverse healthcare outcomes. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) underscores the importance of collaborative care between obstetrics and primary care providers (PCPs) to optimize maternal health and ensure safe care transitions. PCPs are integral in managing chronic care conditions and having an established PCP prior to pregnancy is linked to increased attendance at postpartum care visits.
Purpose: Enhance transitions of care for birthing individuals through evidence-based education and prenatal planning.
Objectives: Primary aim was to increase understanding and importance of safe care transitions among obstetrics staff. Secondary aims included improving documentation of established PCPs in the electronic health record (EHR) by 10% and increasing ambulatory primary care referrals through the electronic health record by 10%
Methods: An evidence-based educational flyer focusing on prenatal care planning and safe postpartum care transitions was developed and distributed to obstetrics providers and support staff. Understanding was assessed using a Likert-scale survey. Pre- and post-intervention data on documented PCPs in the electronic health record (EHR) and referrals to primary care were collected.
Results: Participant (n=11) understanding of prenatal planning recommendations increased by 83%. Identification of PCPs in the EHR improved by 16% with 113 of 612 pre-intervention visits and 111 of 600 post-intervention visits without documented PCPs.
Conclusion: Targeted educational interventions enhanced healthcare professionals' understanding of ACOG recommendations for transition of care planning and increased rates of documented PCPs in the EHR. Future interventions should be responsive to evolving challenges and emerging evidence in postpartum care, exploring innovative communication strategies and technologies to facilitate enhanced care coordination.
Document Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Recommended Citation
McLaren, Ashley, "Improving Transition of Care Through Education and Prenatal Planning: A Quality Improvement Project" (2024). College of Nursing and Health Sciences Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Project Publications. 158.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/cnhsdnp/158