PHO Seminar: Group Pre and Postnatal Care: The Centering Model: Theory, Practice and Implementation Perspectives

PHO Seminar: Group Pre and Postnatal Care: The Centering Model: Theory, Practice and Implementation Perspectives

Group pre and postnatal care is a social model of care originating in the United States that has spread internationally. The Centering Health Care Institute has championed the model and fostered its spread. Health care, assessment and support is provided in a facilitated group setting. Facilitation is provided by professionals using an egalitarian (rather than expert) knowledge-holder approach. An association between Centering Pregnancy with reduced preterm birth and low birth weight in socially at-risk women, as well as increased maternal knowledge and satisfaction, has been demonstrated in several studies. Increased breastfeeding initiation and duration has also been found. Mothers described feeling empowered and supported. Physicians described providing richer care and learning more about the women in their care in order to better support their needs. Implementing a substantially different model of care alongside standard care presents unique challenges and opportunities that impact work load processes and values.

As a current example of reorienting health systems, participants will understand the theory, practice and implementation perspectives associated with centering health care models for this population.

Presenter: Deborah McNeil

Deborah A. McNeil is currently the Scientific Director of the Maternal Newborn Child and Youth Strategic Clinical Network and Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Calgary Faculty of Nursing and Cumming School of Medicine. Following a 25-year clinical career, Deborah has held research positions in maternal child health and population public and Indigenous health for the past 17 years. Deborah’s current research focus includes perinatal depression and anxiety, measuring health inequities, childhood immunization, and group pre and postnatal care.

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Public Health Ontario is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodations to participate in this event, please contact 647-260-7100 or events@oahpp.ca.