1 research outputs found
Optimizing well-pregnancy care on Prince Edward Island
While pregnancy is a normal, transitional life event many women experience, the need exists for
competent, holistic health care during this time in their lives. On Prince Edward Island, 90% of
perinatal care is administered by obstetricians following a medical model of care; this is 30%
greater than the national average (Public Health Agency of Canada [PHAC], 2009). Pregnancy
outcomes on P.E.I., in regards to folic acid supplementation, high pre-pregnancy and pregnancy
body mass indexes (BMI), overweight or obese expectant mothers, substance use, and
breastfeeding consistently fall outside national averages (P.E.I. Reproductive Care Program
[P.E.I. RCP], 2008; PHAC, 2009, 2012). An initiative to implement nurse practitioner-led
perinatal care for healthy pregnant women can help to address these outcomes by ensuring
appropriate ongoing physical assessment, addressing psychosocial needs, and increasing
perinatal education to women and their families during the preconception, prenatal, and postpartum
periods. The initiative will include communication to key stakeholders, and a timeline of
planned activities and will follow the PHAC’s (2001) Project Evaluation to assess success of the
project