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Hoehn-Velasco L, Jolles DR, Plemmons A, Silverio-Murillo A. Health outcomes and provider choice under full practice authority for certified nurse-midwives. JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS 2023; 92:102817. [PMID: 37778146 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2023.102817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Full practice authority grants non-physician providers the ability to manage patient care without physician oversight or direct collaboration. In this study, we consider whether full practice authority for certified nurse-midwives (CNMs/CMs) leads to changes in health outcomes or CNM/CM use. Using U.S. birth certificate and death certificate records over 2008-2019, we show that CNM/CM full practice authority led to little change in obstetric outcomes, maternal mortality, or neonatal mortality. Instead, full practice authority increases (reported) CNM/CM-attended deliveries by one percentage point while decreasing (reported) physician-attended births. We then explore the mechanisms behind the increase in CNM/CM-attended deliveries, demonstrating that the rise in CNM/CM-attended deliveries represents higher use of existing CNM/CMs and is not fully explainable by improved reporting of CNM/CM deliveries or changes in CNM/CM labor supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Hoehn-Velasco
- Department of Economics, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University, United States of America.
| | | | - Alicia Plemmons
- Department of General Business, West Virginia University, United States of America
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2
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Kondracki AJ, Reddick B, Smith BE, Geller PA, Callands T, Barkin JL. Sociodemographic disparities in preterm birth and low birthweight in the State of Georgia: Results from the 2017-2018 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. J Rural Health 2023; 39:91-104. [PMID: 35504850 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To update the overall prevalence of preterm birth (PTB) (<37 weeks gestation) and low birthweight (LBW) (<2,500 g) in the State of Georgia, including rural and urban counties. METHODS A sample was drawn from the 2017-2018 Georgia Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS). In the complete-case data of singleton births (n=1,258), we estimated the weighted percentage prevalence of PTB, LBW, early/late PTB, and moderately/very LBW subcategories in association with maternal sociodemographic characteristics, and the prevalence stratified by rural/urban county of residence. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) of PTB and LBW adjusting for selected covariates. Logistic regression results from multiple imputation by chained equations (MICE) were used for comparison. FINDINGS The overall rate for PTB was 9.3% and 6.8% for LBW and among them, 2.3% were early PTB, 7.0% were late PTB, 5.4% were moderately LBW (MLBW), and 1.3% were very LBW (VLBW). Non-Hispanic Black women had the highest prevalence of PTB, LBW, early PTB, MLBW, and VLBW, as well as PTB and LBW in urban counties and LBW in rural counties. The odds of PTB (aOR 1.38; 95% CI: 0.81, 2.35) and LBW (aOR 2.68; 95% CI: 1.32, 5.43) were also higher among non-Hispanic Black relative to non-Hispanic White women and among women who received adequate-plus prenatal care compared to inadequate prenatal care. CONCLUSIONS Socioeconomic and health disparities created by disadvantage should be a focus of state policy to improve neonatal outcomes in the State of Georgia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Kondracki
- Department of Community Medicine, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah and Macon, Georgia, USA
| | - Bonzo Reddick
- Department of Community Medicine, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah and Macon, Georgia, USA
| | - Betsy E Smith
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, Georgia, USA
| | - Pamela A Geller
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Drexel University College of Arts and Sciences, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tamora Callands
- Department of Health Promotion & Behavior College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Jennifer L Barkin
- Department of Community Medicine, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah and Macon, Georgia, USA
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3
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Mosley EA, Ayala S, Jah Z, Hailstorks T, Hairston I, Rice WS, Hernandez N, Jackson K, Scales M, Gutierrez M, Goode B, Filippa S, Strader S, Umbria M, Watson A, Faruque J, Raji A, Dunkley J, Rogers P, Ellison C, Suarez K, Diallo DD, Hall KS. " I don't regret it at all. It's just I wish the process had a bit more humanity to it … a bit more holistic": a qualitative, community-led medication abortion study with Black and Latinx Women in Georgia, USA. Sex Reprod Health Matters 2022; 30:2129686. [PMID: 36368036 PMCID: PMC9664998 DOI: 10.1080/26410397.2022.2129686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional family planning research has excluded Black and Latinx leaders, and little is known about medication abortion (MA) among racial/ethnic minorities, although it is an increasingly vital reproductive health service, particularly after the fall of Roe v. Wade. Reproductive justice (RJ) community-based organisation (CBO) SisterLove led a study on Black and Latinx women's MA perceptions and experiences in Georgia. From April 2019 to December 2020, we conducted key informant interviews with 20 abortion providers and CBO leaders and 32 in-depth interviews and 6 focus groups (n = 30) with Black and Latinx women. We analysed data thematically using a team-based, iterative approach of coding, memo-ing, and discussion. Participants described multilevel barriers to and strategies for MA access, wishing that "the process had a bit more humanity … [it] should be more holistic." Barriers included (1) sociocultural factors (intersectional oppression, intersectional stigma, and medical experimentation); (2) national and state policies; (3) clinic- and provider-related factors (lack of diverse clinic staff, long waiting times); and (4) individual-level factors (lack of knowledge and social support). Suggested solutions included (1) social media campaigns and story-sharing; (2) RJ-based policy advocacy; (3) diversifying clinic staff, offering flexible scheduling and fees, community integration of abortion, and RJ abortion funds; and (4) social support (including abortion doulas) and comprehensive sex education. Findings suggest that equitable MA access for Black and Latinx communities in the post-Roe era will require multi-level intervention, informed by community-led evidence production; holistic, de-medicalised, and human rights-based care models; and intersectional RJ policy advocacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Mosley
- Affiliated Faculty Member, Center for Reproductive Health Research in the Southeast, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health Atlanta, GA, USA,Assistant Professor, Center for Innovative Research on Gender Health Equity, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. Correspondence:
| | - Sequoia Ayala
- Director of Policy and Advocacy, SisterLove, Inc., Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Zainab Jah
- Research Director, SisterLove, Inc., Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Tiffany Hailstorks
- Assistant Professor, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Indya Hairston
- Community-Based Research Program Manager, SisterLove, Inc., Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Whitney S. Rice
- Assistant Professor, Center for Reproductive Health Research in the Southeast, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Kwajelyn Jackson
- Executive Director, Feminist Women’s Health Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Marieh Scales
- MPH Student, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA,Research Intern, SisterLove, Inc., Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mariana Gutierrez
- MPH Student, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA,Research Intern, SisterLove, Inc., Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Bria Goode
- MPH Student, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA,Research Intern, SisterLove, Inc., Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sofia Filippa
- MPH Student, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA,Research Intern, SisterLove, Inc., Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Shani Strader
- MPH Student, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA,Research Intern, SisterLove, Inc., Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mariana Umbria
- Research Intern, SisterLove, Inc., Atlanta, GA, USA,MPH Student, Georgia State University School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Autumn Watson
- MPH Student, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA,Research Intern, SisterLove, Inc., Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Joya Faruque
- MPH Student, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA,Research Intern, SisterLove, Inc., Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Adeola Raji
- Research Intern, SisterLove, Inc., Atlanta, GA, USA,MPH Student, Georgia State University School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Janae Dunkley
- MPH Student, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA,Research Intern, SisterLove, Inc., Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Peyton Rogers
- MPH Student, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA,Research Intern, SisterLove, Inc., Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Celeste Ellison
- MPH Student, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA,Research Intern, SisterLove, Inc., Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kheyanna Suarez
- MPH Student, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA,Research Intern, SisterLove, Inc., Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Kelli S. Hall
- Founding Director, Center for Reproductive Health Research in the Southeast, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA,Associate Professor, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
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4
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Daymude AEC, Daymude JJ, Rochat R. Labor and Delivery Unit Closures in Rural Georgia from 2012 to 2016 and the Impact on Black Women: A Mixed-Methods Investigation. Matern Child Health J 2022; 26:796-805. [PMID: 35182306 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-022-03380-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obstetric provider coverage in rural Georgia has worsened, with nine rural labor and delivery units (LDUs) closing outside the Atlanta Metropolitan Statistical Area from 2012 to 2016. Georgia consistently has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the nation and faces increased adverse health consequences from this decline in obstetric care. OBJECTIVE This study explores what factors may be associated with rural hospital LDU closures in Georgia from 2012 to 2016. METHODS This study describes differences between rural Georgia hospitals based on LDU closure status through a quantitative analysis of 2011 baseline regional, hospital, and patient data, and a qualitative analysis of newspaper articles addressing the closures. RESULTS LDUs that closed had higher proportions of Black female residents in their Primary Care Service Areas (PCSAs), of Black birthing patients, and of patients with Medicaid, self-pay or other government insurance; lower LDU birth volume; more women giving birth within their PCSA of residence; fewer obstetricians and obstetric provider equivalents per LDU; and fewer average annual births per obstetric provider. Qualitative results indicate financial distress primarily contributed to closures, but also suggest that low birth volume and obstetric provider shortage impacted closures. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE Rural LDU closure in Georgia has a disproportionate impact on Black and low-income women and may be prevented through funding maternity healthcare, financing LDUs, and addressing provider shortages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E Carson Daymude
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Grace Crum Rollins Building 1518 Clifton Rd., Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| | - Joshua J Daymude
- Biodesign Center for Biocomputing, Security and Society, Arizona State University, 727 E. Tyler St., Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA
| | - Roger Rochat
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Grace Crum Rollins Building 1518 Clifton Rd., Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
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5
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Dozier JL, Hennink M, Mosley E, Narasimhan S, Pringle J, Clarke L, Blevins J, James-Portis L, Keithan R, Hall KS, Rice WS. Abortion attitudes, religious and moral beliefs, and pastoral care among Protestant religious leaders in Georgia. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0235971. [PMID: 32678861 PMCID: PMC7367465 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to explore Protestant religious leaders' attitudes towards abortion and their strategies for pastoral care in Georgia, USA. Religious leaders may play an important role in providing sexual and reproductive health pastoral care given a long history of supporting healing and health promotion. METHODS We conducted 20 in-depth interviews with Mainline and Black Protestant religious leaders on their attitudes toward abortion and how they provide pastoral care for abortion. The study was conducted in a county with relatively higher rates of abortion, lower access to sexual and reproductive health services, higher religiosity, and greater denominational diversity compared to other counties in the state. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed by thematic analysis. RESULTS Religious leaders' attitudes towards abortion fell on a spectrum from "pro-life" to "pro-choice". However, most participants expressed attitudes in the middle of this spectrum and described more nuanced, complex, and sometimes contradictory views. Differences in abortion attitudes stemmed from varying beliefs on when life begins and circumstances in which abortion may be morally acceptable. Religious leaders described their pastoral care on abortion as "journeying with" congregants by advising them to make well-informed decisions irrespective of the religious leader's own attitudes. However, many religious leaders described a lack of preparation and training to have these conversations. Leaders emphasized not condoning abortion, yet being willing to emotionally support women because spiritual leaders are compelled to love and provide pastoral care. Paradoxically, all leaders emphasized the importance of empathy and compassion for people who have unplanned pregnancies, yet only leaders whose attitudes were "pro-choice" or in the middle of the spectrum expressed an obligation to confront stigmatizing attitudes and behaviors towards people who experience abortion. Additionally, many leaders offer misinformation about abortion when offering pastoral care. CONCLUSION These findings contribute to limited empirical evidence on pastoral care for abortion. We found religious leaders hold diverse attitudes and beliefs about abortion, rooted in Christian scripture and doctrine that inform advice and recommendations to congregants. While religious leaders may have formal training on pastoral care in general or theological education on the ethical issues related to abortion, they struggle to integrate their knowledge and training across these two areas. Still, leaders could be potentially important resources for empathy, compassion, and affirmation of agency in abortion decision-making, particularly in the Southern United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L. Dozier
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- The Center for Reproductive Health Research in the Southeast, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Monique Hennink
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Mosley
- The Center for Reproductive Health Research in the Southeast, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Subasri Narasimhan
- The Center for Reproductive Health Research in the Southeast, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Johanna Pringle
- The Center for Reproductive Health Research in the Southeast, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Lasha Clarke
- The Center for Reproductive Health Research in the Southeast, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - John Blevins
- The Center for Reproductive Health Research in the Southeast, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Graduate Division of Religion, Laney Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Latishia James-Portis
- Reproductive Justice Activist and Movement Chaplain, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Rob Keithan
- All Souls Church Unitarian, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Kelli Stidham Hall
- The Center for Reproductive Health Research in the Southeast, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Heilbrunn Department of Population & Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Whitney S. Rice
- The Center for Reproductive Health Research in the Southeast, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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Vanderlaan J, Edwards JA, Dunlop A. Geospatial variation in caesarean delivery. Nurs Open 2020; 7:627-633. [PMID: 32089861 PMCID: PMC7024620 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim The purpose of this study was to evaluate the variation in caesarean delivery rates across counties in Georgia and to determine whether county-level characteristics were associated with clusters. Design This was a retrospective, observational study. Methods Rates of primary and repeat caesarean by maternal county of residence were calculated for 2008 through 2012. Global Moran's I (Spatial Autocorrelation) was used to identify geographic clustering. Characteristics of high and low-rate counties were compared using student's t test and chi-squared test. Results Spatial analysis of both primary and repeat caesarean rate identified the presence of clusters (Moran's I = 0.375; p < .001). Counties in high-rate clusters had significantly lower access to midwives, more deliveries paid by Medicaid, higher proportion of births for women belonging to racial/ethnic minority groups and were more likely to be rural.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Johnathan A. Edwards
- Department of Biomedical InformaticsEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGA
| | - Anne Dunlop
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of NursingEmory UniversityAtlantaGA
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Abstract
Although there is much discussion about population health in academic medical centers, managed care organizations, and a variety of disciplines, it is not always clear what this term means. Population health describes the health outcomes of a group of individuals including health disparities, social determinants of health, and policies and interventions that link health outcomes with and patterns of health determinants. We describe some of the successes and challenges to addressing reproductive health issues in Georgia from a population health perspective, focusing on efforts to reduce teenage pregnancy and improve maternal health.
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Nandi P, Kramer M, Kottke M. Changing disparities in teen birth rates and repeat birth rates in Georgia: implications for teen pregnancy prevention. Contraception 2018; 99:175-178. [PMID: 30471260 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2018.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand teen birth trends in Georgia by racial and geographic factors. STUDY DESIGN We analyzed overall birth and repeat teen birth rates by race, urban/rural status and adequacy of obstetric care from 2008 to 2016 using vital records from all Georgia counties. RESULTS Overall birth rates among teens analyzed decreased dramatically in Georgia, from 45.63 births per 1000 teens in 2008-2010 to 26.28 per 1000 teens in 2014-2016. Repeat birth rates followed a similar decline, from 9.40 to 4.53 repeat births per 1000 teens over the same time period. These rates decreased in all subgroups of teens but to varying degrees. The difference in birth and repeat birth rates between black and white teens decreased fourfold during this time period, whereas the declines in these rates for teens living in rural versus urban counties and with inadequate versus adequate obstetric care were less pronounced. CONCLUSION While remarkable reductions in teen birth and repeat birth rates have occurred since 2008, these declines have not been equally experienced by all groups of teens. IMPLICATIONS Our analysis suggests that persistent disparities in teen birth and repeat birth rates exist, particularly in areas with limited or threatened access to reproductive health care. Applying targeted teen pregnancy prevention initiatives to these areas could help ensure equitable health and social outcomes for teens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preetha Nandi
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA; Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA.
| | - Michael Kramer
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Melissa Kottke
- Jane Fonda Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
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9
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Grant JH, Handwerk K, Baker K, Milling V, Barlow S, Vladutiu CJ. Implementing Group Prenatal Care in Southwest Georgia Through Public-Private Partnerships. Matern Child Health J 2018; 22:1535-1542. [PMID: 30047079 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-018-2576-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Introduction CenteringPregnancy® is well-regarded as an innovative group model of prenatal care. In 2009, Georgia's Southwest Public Health District partnered with local obstetricians and medical centers to expand prenatal care access and improve perinatal outcomes for low-income women by implementing Georgia's first public health administered CenteringPregnancy program. This paper describes the successful implementation of CenteringPregnancy in a public health setting with no prior prenatal services; assesses the program's first 5-year perinatal outcomes; and discusses several key lessons learned. Methods Prenatal and hospital medical records of patients were reviewed for the time period from October 2009 through October 2014. Descriptive analyses were conducted to examine demographic and clinical characteristics of women initiating prenatal care and to assess perinatal outcomes among patients with singleton live births who attended at least three CenteringPregnancy sessions or delivered prior to attending the third session. Results Six hundred and six low-income women initiated prenatal care; 55.4 and 36.4% self-identified as non-Hispanic black and Hispanic, respectively. The median age was 23 years (IQR 20, 28). Nearly 69% initiated prenatal care in the first trimester. Perinatal outcomes were examined among 338 singleton live births. The 2010-2014 preterm birth rate (% of births < 37 weeks gestation at delivery) and low birth weight rate (% of births < 2500 g) were 9.1 and 8.9%, respectively. Nearly 77% of women initiated breastfeeding. Discussion CenteringPregnancy administered via public-private partnership may improve access to prenatal care and perinatal outcomes for medically underserved women in low-resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline H Grant
- Georgia Department of Public Health, Southwest District, Albany, Georgia. .,Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 3010 Old Clinic Building, CB #7516, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7516, USA.
| | - Katherine Handwerk
- Georgia Department of Public Health, Southwest District, Albany, Georgia
| | - Karen Baker
- Dougherty County Health Department, Albany, Georgia
| | | | | | - Catherine J Vladutiu
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 3010 Old Clinic Building, CB #7516, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7516, USA.,Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration, Rockville, MD, USA
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10
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Obstetric Provider Trainees in Georgia: Characteristics and Attitudes About Practice in Obstetric Provider Shortage Areas. Matern Child Health J 2017; 20:1341-8. [PMID: 27072048 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-016-1998-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Objectives In Georgia, 52 % of the primary care service areas outside metropolitan Atlanta have a deficit of obstetric providers. This study was designed to identify factors associated with the likelihood of Georgia's obstetric trainees (obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) residents and certified nurse midwifery (CNM) students) to practice in areas of Georgia that lack obstetric providers and services, i.e. rural Georgia. Methods Pilot-tested electronic and paper surveys were distributed to all of Georgia's OB/GYN residents (N = 95) and CNM students (N = 28). Mixed-methods survey questions assessed characteristics, attitudes, and incentives that might be associated with trainee desire to practice in areas of Georgia that lack obstetric providers and services. Surveys also gathered information about concerns that may prevent trainees from practicing in shortage areas. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed, and qualitative themes were abstracted from open-ended questions. Results The survey response rate was 87.8 % (108/123). Overall, 24.4 % (19/78) of residents and 53.6 % (15/28) of CNM students expressed interest in practicing in rural Georgia, and both residents and CNM students were more likely to desire to practice in rural Georgia with the offer of any of six financial incentives (P < 0.001). Qualitative themes highlighted trainees' strong concerns about Georgia's political environment as it relates to reproductive healthcare. Conclusions Increasing state-level, rurally-focused financial incentive programs and emphasizing the role of CNMs may alleviate obstetric provider shortages in Georgia.
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11
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Bridging the Gaps in Obstetric Care: Perspectives of Service Delivery Providers on Challenges and Core Components of Care in Rural Georgia. Matern Child Health J 2017; 20:1349-57. [PMID: 27090413 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-016-1995-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Objectives In 2011, a workforce assessment conducted by the Georgia Maternal and Infant Health Research Group found that 52 % of Primary Care Service Areas outside metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, had an overburdened or complete lack of obstetric care services. In response to that finding, this study's aim was twofold: to describe challenges faced by providers who currently deliver or formerly delivered obstetric care in these areas, and to identify essential core components that can be integrated into alternative models of care in order to alleviate the burden placed on the remaining obstetric providers. Methods We conducted 46 qualitative in-depth interviews with obstetricians, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, certified nurse midwives, and maternal and infant health leaders in Georgia. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, uploaded into MAXQDA software, and analyzed using a Grounded Theory Approach. Results Providers faced significant financial barriers in service delivery, including low Medicaid reimbursement, high proportions of self-pay patients, and high cost of medical malpractice insurance. Further challenges in provision of obstetric care in this region were related to patient's late initiation of prenatal care and lacking collaboration between obstetric providers. Essential components of effective models of care included continuity, efficient use of resources, and risk-appropriate services. Conclusion Our analysis revealed core components of improved models of care that are more cost effective and would expand coverage. These components include closer collaboration among stakeholder populations, decentralization of services with effective use of each type of clinical provider, improved continuity of care, and system-wide changes to increase Medicaid benefits.
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12
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Kramer MR, Schneider EB, Kane JB, Margerison-Zilko C, Jones-Smith J, King K, Davis-Kean P, Grzywacz JG. Getting Under the Skin: Children's Health Disparities as Embodiment of Social Class. POPULATION RESEARCH AND POLICY REVIEW 2017; 36:671-697. [PMID: 29398742 PMCID: PMC5791911 DOI: 10.1007/s11113-017-9431-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Social class gradients in children's health and development are ubiquitous across time and geography. The authors develop a conceptual framework relating three actions of class-material allocation, salient group identity, and inter-group conflict-to the reproduction of class-based disparities in child health. A core proposition is that the actions of class stratification create variation in children's mesosystems and microsystems in distinct locations in the ecology of everyday life. Variation in mesosystems (e.g., health care, neighborhoods) and microsystems (e.g., family structure, housing) become manifest in a wide variety of specific experiences and environments that produce the behavioral and biological antecedents to health and disease among children. The framework is explored via a review of theoretical and empirical contributions from multiple disciplines and high-priority areas for future research are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Kramer
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Eric B Schneider
- Department of Economic History, London School of Economics and Political Science
| | | | - Claire Margerison-Zilko
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University
| | - Jessica Jones-Smith
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Katherine King
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, Duke University
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Rochat RW. Commentary on Obstetric Care in Rural Georgia. Matern Child Health J 2016; 20:1321-2. [DOI: 10.1007/s10995-016-2024-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Zertuche AD, Spelke B, Julian Z, Pinto M, Rochat R. Georgia Maternal and Infant Health Research Group (GMIHRG): Mobilizing Allied Health Students and Community Partners to Put Data into Action. Matern Child Health J 2016; 20:1323-32. [PMID: 27072049 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-016-1996-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Despite having an obstetrician/gynecologist (ob/gyn) workforce comparable to the national average, Georgia is ranked 50th in maternal mortality and 40th in infant mortality. The Georgia Maternal and Infant Health Research Group (GMIHRG) was founded in 2010 to evaluate and address this paradox. Description In the several years since GMIHRG's inception, its graduate allied health student researchers and advisors have collaborated with community partners to complete several requisite research initiatives. Their initial work demonstrated that over half the Georgia areas outside metropolitan Atlanta lack adequate access to obstetric services, and their subsequent research evaluated the reasons for and the consequences of this maldistribution of obstetric providers. Assessment In order to translate their workforce and outcomes data for use in policymaking and programming, GMIHRG created reader-friendly reports for distribution to a wide variety of stakeholders and prepared concise, compelling presentations with targeted recommendations for change. This commitment to advocacy ultimately enabled them to: (a) inspire the Georgia Study Committees on Medicaid Reform and Medical Education, (b) influence Georgia General Assembly abortion bills, medical scholarship/loan legislation, and appropriations, and (c) motivate programming initiatives to improve midwifery education and perinatal regionalization in Georgia. Conclusion GMIHRG members have employed inventive research methods and maximized collaborative partnerships to enable their data on Georgia's maternal and infant outcomes and obstetric workforce to effectively inform state organizations and policymakers. With this unique approach, GMIHRG serves as a cost-efficient and valuable model for student engagement in the translation of research into advocacy efforts, policy change, and innovative programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne D Zertuche
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, 80 Jesse Hill Junior Drive SE, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA. .,Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA. .,Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | | | - Zoë Julian
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Meredith Pinto
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Roger Rochat
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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