Effectiveness of shortened time interval to postpartum visit in improving postpartum attendance: Design and rationale for a randomized controlled trial

Publication date: Available online 18 April 2019

Source: Contemporary Clinical Trials

Author(s): Saba W. Masho, Timothy O. Ihongbe, Wen Wan, Whitney C. Graves, Nicole Karjane, Pamela Dillon, Gloria Bazzoli, Elizabeth McGee

Abstract

Background/Aims

Recent evidence suggests that there are numerous benefits to scheduling postpartum visits as early as 3 weeks post-delivery. However, findings are not conclusive due to methodological limitations. This report discusses the unique aspects of a randomized controlled trial's (RCT) design, intervention, and strategies to maintain participant retention.

Methods

This study was a four-year, prospective, open-label RCT conducted at the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center. Women who recently delivered a healthy, full-term baby vaginally, were randomized to receive a 3–4 or 6–8 weeks postpartum appointment and were followed for 18 months.

Results

A total of 364 women participated in this study. A large proportion of women were retained in the study as demonstrated by the high completion rates at the 18-month follow-up interview (Total sample: 87.6%; 3–4 weeks group: 88.0%; 6–8 weeks group: 87.3%). Similarly, high adherence to the protocol-directed postpartum visit schedule was reported in the overall study sample (79.7%), as well as in the 3–4 (70.5%) and 6–8 (90.0%) week postpartum groups.

Conclusion

The study design offered unique features which ensured excellent participant completion and adherence rates, despite the presence of hard-to-track women who typically do not return for their postpartum visits.

from ScienceDirect Publication: Contemporary Clinical Trials http://bit.ly/2Pie47b