Pitt County Health Department is one of six health departments in North Carolina that has recently achieved licensure status from the Centering Healthcare Institute to offer a nationally recognized model of group prenatal care called Centering. This model will help increase access to prenatal care for Pitt County residents which will improve healthcare outcomes in maternal, infant and child populations. Pitt County consistently has higher rates of infant mortality (a baby who dies prior to his/her first birthday) due preterm delivery, low birth weight and birth defects as compared to North Carolina. “Centering is a model of prenatal care that promotes empowerment and self-care through health education and social support” said Terri Wilson, RN, Nursing Supervisor at Pitt County Health Department.
Centering is an innovative, evidence-based model of group care that is effectively addressing the complex social determinants of health. This paradigm shift is making an impact by bringing patients out of the exam room and into a comfortable group setting. Patients receive the highest quality of care and, as part of an ongoing group, form a supportive community where they develop skills and confidence to take control of their health. The Centering model combines health assessment, interactive learning and community building to deliver better health outcomes and a better care experience for patients and their providers.
CenteringPregnancy® and CenteringParenting® are the two group healthcare models currently supported by the Centering Healthcare Institute. CenteringPregnancy brings 8-12 pregnant women who are due around the same time together for prenatal care. Each of the 10 visits is 90 minutes to two hours long. CenteringParenting provides family centered well-child care for the first two years, following the Bright Futures™ nationally recognized guidelines. Groups continue on from CenteringPregnancy or begin when 6-8 parents and infants of the same age are brought together for care. Parents are actively involved in their child’s assessment at every visit and an emphasis on family, self-care, wellness and women’s health is woven throughout.
“We are excited to partner with Pitt County Health Department to expand CenteringPregnancy in North Carolina. They join a growing number of dedicated Centering practice sites throughout the U.S. who are creating a movement that is impacting health outcomes, the patient experience and provider satisfaction” said Angie Truesdale, CEO of Centering Healthcare Institute, the non-profit that provides implementation support, training and tools to ensure model fidelity to Centering practice sites.
The Centering Healthcare Institute is improving health by transforming care through Centering groups. It has developed and sustained the Centering model in more than 450 practice sites and in some of the largest health systems in the world. They have partnered with many dedicated individuals and organizations to build a future where group healthcare becomes the standard of care. For more information on CHI and the Centering models of group care, visit www.centeringhealthcare.org.