Faculty Collaboration Database

Identification and case management in an HMO of patients at risk of preterm labor. Am J Manag Care 1998 Jun;4(6):865-71

Date

05/07/1998

Pubmed ID

10181072

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0031904177 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   2 Citations

Abstract

We carried out a study of pregnant patients in a health maintenance organization to identify and provide case management of women at risk of preterm labor and to determine important risk factors for preterm labor in a managed care population. Data were collected on 794 women who completed an initial prenatal care visit at HealthAmerica of Pittsburgh between July 15, 1994, and March 31, 1995, and delivered at a local Pittsburgh hospital. The patients were assessed during an initial call to schedule their first prenatal visit and also at the 8- to 15-week and 24- to 28-week prenatal visits. Patients scoring 10 or higher on the risk assessment form were referred to a nurse case manager who provided education and support. Results of a logistic regression analysis suggest that the risk assessment tool was effective in identifying women at risk for preterm labor. "Physical/stressful work", as assessed by the patient, history of a prior preterm birth, and multiple gestation were all statistically significant predictors of preterm birth. Further research is needed to confirm the finding that physical or stressful work is a significant predictor of preterm births and to determine which aspects of the work may increase the patient's risk. This study was based on 8 months of data; however, additional program implementation is needed to evaluate fully the potential long-term benefits of the program.

Author List

Lear D, Schall LC, Marsh GM, Liu KS, Yao Y

Author

Laura Cassidy PhD Associate Dean, Institute Director, Professor in the Institute for Health and Humanity department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Case Management
Female
Health Maintenance Organizations
Humans
Obstetric Labor, Premature
Pennsylvania
Pregnancy
Prenatal Care
Regression Analysis
Risk Assessment
Risk Factors