Alternative prenatal care. Impact of reduced visit frequency, focused visits and continuity of care.

Objective: To investigate the impact of an alternative prenatal care program for low-risk patients.

Study Design: Five hundred forty-nine low-risk pregnant women were allocated to the study and control groups. The study group received, on average, eight visits, all of them with one of nine study providers. Each study visit had specific objectives and accompanying targeted patient education handouts. The control group received the usual prenatal care (on average, 13 visits) with different providers, according to the customary schedule.

Results: There were no significant pregnancy outcome differences between the groups. The study vs. control group differed significantly (P < .0001) in patient satisfaction regarding the number of prenatal visits. There was a higher level of satisfaction in the study group concerning continuity of care (P < .0001). The alternative prenatal care program reduced the number of prenatal visits by 27% and was not associated with any change in maternal or perinatal outcomes. Patient satisfaction parameters were either maintained or improved with alternative prenatal care.

Conclusion: An alternative prenatal care program for low-risk patients reduced resource utilization without adversely affecting prenatal care process variables, pregnancy outcome or patient satisfaction.