Group Antenatal Care as an Innovative Approach to Increase Quality of Care Globally

Sunday, February 19, 2017: 8:00 AM-9:30 AM
Room 310 (Hynes Convention Center)
Sebalda Leshabari, Muhumbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of
Innovative antenatal care (ANC) models are needed to improve quality of care and health outcomes in low-resource settings. We piloted group ANC based on CenteringPregnancy®, an evidence-based model from the U.S, in two African countries, Malawi and Tanzania. In our pilot, women gained trust and connections with providers, resulting in increased antenatal and postpartum attendance, satisfaction and less mental distress. Group ANC is a strategy to improve quality despite provider shortages.