Interdisciplinary Care Approach for Perinatal Patients in Acute Care Settings: Clinical Effectiveness, Cost-Effectiveness, and Guidelines

Key Message

Two relevant studies regarding the clinical effectiveness of interdisciplinary care for perinatal patients in the acute care setting were included: one non-randomized prospective cohort study and one retrospective, uncontrolled single-group before-and-after study. No relevant cost-effectiveness evaluations, or evidence-based guidelines, were identified.Overall, findings from the included studies suggested that a model of interdisciplinary care for perinatal patients that includes a dedicated obstetrician collaborating with midwifery care may be associated with a decrease in the percentage of individuals undergoing induction of labour and primary cesarean sections. This collaborative model may also be associated with an increase in the percentage of vaginal births after cesarean delivery. Uncertainty surrounds these conclusions, as they are drawn from observational studies that may provide lower quality evidence than other study designs. Changes in best clinical practices or patient preferences throughout the study duration, as well as changes in the care model other than interdisciplinary collaboration, may have influenced the findings.Evidence regarding optimal healthcare services for pregnant individuals and infants during the perinatal period of labour, delivery, and days following birth suggests a potential benefit of using interdisciplinary collaboration of healthcare professionals to improve health outcomes in these patients. High quality clinical and cost-effectiveness research would reduce uncertainty surrounding the true impact of this change in care model on the quality and sustainability of healthcare services. In addition, evidence-based guidelines are needed to indicate the types of collaboration and professional disciplines that would provide optimal benefits for parents and their newborn children.