INTRODUCTION:
Care coordination can be impactful in improving quality of care for patients and improving healthcare system efficiency. This natural history study evaluates the impact of a technology-enabled care coordination system, Babyscripts Care Navigator (Babyscripts), and the effect on prenatal care attendance as well as identifying modifiable socioeconomic risk factors in an underserved, urban obstetrical population.
METHODS:
This study included 21 patients >17 year old at their first obstetrical visit. Patients were asked to participate at their first obstetrical visit and were monitored until 6 weeks after delivery. Patients were given Babyscripts, a mobile application with bidirectional messaging support from a care coordinator. Patients received daily prenatal information and real-time support ranging from informational to emotional. Empirical data was collected by monitoring 1) appointments attended or rescheduled, 2) messages sent between patients and care coordinator, and 3) modifiable, socioeconomic risk factors identified and triaged.
RESULTS:
As of September 3, 2017, 87.5% of scheduled appointments were attended or rescheduled. The average number of routine prenatal appointments attended was 7.4, compared to the practice average of 3.2 appointments. On average, 277 messages were sent between each patient and care coordinator; 18.7% originated from patients. Thirty-nine modifiable, socioeconomic factors were identified and triaged to clinical staff (15), social work staff (7), state assistance services (8), local non-profits (6), and transportation services (3).
CONCLUSION:
Technology-enabled care coordination improved attendance at prenatal care visits and provided a reliable and efficient system that was successfully implemented within an underserved, urban obstetrical population.
