Centering pregnancy in an urban health setting

Centering Pregnancy is an evidence-based model of group prenatal care that promotes efficient, effective, and culturally-appropriate, patient-centered care. It incorporates three major components: risk assessment, education, and support. The purpose of the evidence-based practice project was to implement Centering Pregnancy for a group of prima gravida patients in an urban obstetrical office to assess adherence to care. In addition, incidence of preterm delivery was measured. As a means of comparison, a review of 22 charts of a demographically similar group of patients who received traditional prenatal care was conducted. The results of the EBP project revealed that there was increased adherence to prenatal visits among patients who participated in the Centering Pregnancy group. The incidence of preterm delivery remained similar across the Centering Pregnancy and traditional care groups. Findings of the project have merit but warrant additional examination through further evidence-based practice projects or research studies.