The Active Duty Primigravada's Perception of Prenatal Care in the Military Health Care System
Abstract
The goal of the military health care system is to maintain the fighting strength of the military services by assuring the continued health of the active duty members and their families. High quality, comprehensive care is the best way to accomplish this goal. Patient satisfaction and health status are outcomes of health care services. They are also a measure of its quality. An area of interest for quality improvement is prenatal care. In this study a qualitative descriptive design using the active duty primigravada as the population of interest was used to explore perceptions of and satisfaction with prenatal care in the military health care system. The researcher used a convenience sample of 6 active duty primigravadas who were still within the first three months of the postpartum period. Data analysis utilized the qualitative methods of categorizing and clustering as presented by Bums and Grove. Four theme categories emerged from the data: (1) One Provider, (1A) developing a relationship, (1B) Provider Concern, (2) Need for Information, (2A) Importance of Prenatal Classes, (2B) Greater Education and Support for Breastfeeding, (3) Preparation for Childbirth, and (4) Parental Role. Significant statements from the participants were used to illustrate each theme more fully. The findings of this pilot study showed that, for the most part, active duty first time mothers are very satisfied with the care received in the military health care system, at least those who received care in the family practice setting. This potentially has implications for the most appropriate setting for uncomplicated, ambulatory obstetrical care. Because of vast differences in health care delivery at the various types of military health care facilities, it would be helpful to repeat this study at various sites before drawing any conclusions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 02, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA354229
Entities
People
- Vicki L. Brady
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences