Menk, Mara
(2022)
Considerations for Implementing a Hospital-Based Staff Model for Doula Support Services.
Master Essay, University of Pittsburgh.
Abstract
Doulas provide emotional, physical, and educational support to persons experiencing pregnancy. Doula support during the prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum period has been shown to have a positive effect on health outcomes for birthing persons. This type of support has been identified as a priority to limit the use of clinical interventions during labor and birth and improve the patient experience. Despite the growing public interest to incorporate doulas into the interprofessional care team, patients primarily secure doula services through private contracts with agencies or individual contractors. The benefits of doula support may not be fully realized due to the lack of access for many birthing people and the disjointed interaction between doulas and the health care system.
The goal of this current state assessment and supplemental case study is to illustrate the potential synergies created when doula support services and hospitals integrate to align patient care. Analysis of the literature describes the historical use of doula services, documented impacts on patient outcomes, current reimbursement considerations, and the recent evolution in their relationship with healthcare systems. The case study describes a hospital-based staff model at UPMC Magee-Womens hospital that highlights administrative considerations for integrating doula support with the maternity care team. This case describes year one of the program and the operational design, as well as considerations for the program’s future sustainability. The adoption of hospital-based doula programs can impact public health by potentially disrupting traditional obstetric service models.
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Details
| Item Type: |
Other Thesis, Dissertation, or Long Paper
(Master Essay)
|
| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
|
| Contributors: |
| Contribution | Contributors Name | Email | Pitt Username | ORCID  |
|---|
| Committee Chair | Perri, Angela | angelaperri@pitt.edu | angelaperri | UNSPECIFIED | | Committee Member | Salter, Cynthia | cys6@pitt.edu | cys6 | UNSPECIFIED | | Committee Member | Quinn, Beth | quinba2@upmc.edu | UNSPECIFIED | UNSPECIFIED |
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| Date: |
16 May 2022 |
| Date Type: |
Completion |
| Submission Date: |
17 April 2022 |
| Access Restriction: |
No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately. |
| Number of Pages: |
67 |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
School of Public Health > Health Policy & Management |
| Degree: |
MHA - Master of Health Administration |
| Thesis Type: |
Master Essay |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: |
doula, reimbursement, maternity, maternal health |
| Date Deposited: |
16 May 2022 18:17 |
| Last Modified: |
16 May 2022 18:17 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/42636 |
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