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Am J Perinatol 2016; 33(02): 123-129
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1559808
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Role of the Hospitalist and Maternal Fetal Medicine Physician in Obstetrical Inpatient Care

Lisa D. Levine
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
,
Jay Schulkin
2   Department of Research, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Washington, District of Columbia
,
Brian M. Mercer
3   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Case Western Reserve University, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
,
Daniel O'Keeffe
4   Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia
,
Vincenzo Berghella
5   Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
,
Thomas J. Garite
6   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine at University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

03 June 2015

17 June 2015

Publication Date:
04 September 2015 (online)

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Abstract

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of hospitalists and Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) subspecialists in obstetrical inpatient care.

Study Design This electronic survey study was offered to members of the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology (ACOG; n = 1,039) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM; n = 1,813).

Results Overall, 607 (21%) respondents completed the survey. Overall, 35% reported that hospitalists provided care in at least one of their hospitals. Compared with ACOG respondents, a higher frequency of SMFM respondents reported comfort with hospitalists providing care for all women on labor and delivery (74.4 vs. 43.5%, p = 0.005) and women with complex issues (56.4 vs. 43.5%, p = 0.004). The majority of ACOG respondents somewhat/completely agreed that hospitalists were associated with decreased adverse events (69%) and improved safety/safety culture (70%). Overall, 35% of ACOG respondents have MFM consultation available with 53% having inpatient coverage. Of these, 85% were satisfied with MFM availability.

Conclusion Over one-third of respondents work in units staffed with hospitalists and more than half have inpatient MFM coverage. It is important to evaluate if and how hospitalists can improve maternal and perinatal outcomes, and the types of hospitals that are best served by them.

Keywords

hospitalist - inpatient obstetrical care - laborist - Maternal Fetal Medicine

Supplementary Material

 

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