Baystate Ob/Gyn Group Earns Site Approval for CenteringPregnancy

SPRINGFIELD — In recognition of achieving quality and sustainability milestones, the Centering Healthcare Institute in Boston recently renewed the site approval for the CenteringPregnancy model of care at Baystate Ob/Gyn Group Inc. Integrated into the practice in 2009, the Centering model of care has become a popular option for patients seeking an innovative, effective group model of prenatal care that encourages long-term health and wellness.

Centering is an evidence-based model of group care that combines health assessment, interactive learning, and community building to deliver positive health outcomes and an exceptional care experience for patients and their providers. CenteringPregnancy brings eight to 12 pregnant women who are due around the same time together for prenatal care. Each of the nine visits is two hours long, giving women more time with their provider team. As part of a cohesive group, patients form a supportive community where they develop skills and confidence to take control of their health.

A recent Centering patient commented, “this is my second pregnancy going through the nurse midwives’ CenteringPregnancy group. The atmosphere is supportive and educational. The bonds you make with the group have helped me feel stronger and less alone throughout the entire experience, while the midwives create and add to the supportive atmosphere.”

Specific clinical target areas of CenteringPregnancy include prematurity, low birth weight, and breastfeeding rates. A review of data from 2015 CenteringPregnancy groups indicated that they exceeded target goals in all three areas (based on the 2014 Massachusetts State Health Improvement Plan).

“We congratulate Baystate Ob/Gyn Group Inc. 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 nonprofit that provides implementation support, training, and tools to ensure model fidelity to Centering practice sites.