Standardizing perinatal consults to improve trainee physician competency and decrease maternal anxiety

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Sobczak-Hoeft, Susan M. | Finer, Neil

Affiliations: Division of Neonatology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92708, USA

Note: [] Corresponding author: Susan M. Sobczak-Hoeft, 11160 Warner Ave, Suite 317, Fountain Valley, CA 92708, USA. Tel.: +1 619 985 1813; Fax: +1 714 435 0548; E-mail: ssobczak@aol.com

Abstract: Objective: To improve trainee physician competency by scripting perinatal consults while concurrently decreasing maternal anxiety and increasing recall. Design: Physicians in neonatal fellowship consulted mothers with impending preterm deliveries between the gestational ages of 22 and 27 weeks using a scripted approach while videotaping the interaction. Mothers were assessed for anxiety before and after the consult as well as after the delivery. Maternal recall was also assessed after the consult. Videotapes were reviewed for the competency of the consulting physician. Results: 14 mothers signed consent for videotaping. Physician competency improved after performing the consult at least once. Maternal anxiety based on an anxiety rating scale test (STAI) decreased in all women after the consult. Recall concerning survival and person performing the consult was highest, and recall concerning modalities of breathing devices and skills needed by a premature infant to go home was lowest. Conclusion: A standardized approach to speaking with mothers with an impending preterm delivery increases the competency of trainees, as well as improves parent-physician communication by increasing recall and decreasing maternal anxiety prior to giving birth.

Keywords: Videotaping, preterm, communication, perinatal consultation, prenatal consultation

Journal: Journal of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, vol. 1, no. 3, pp. 181-187, 2008