The Influence of Care at a Large Regionalized Fetal Center on Patient Employment and Education [A70]

• Published in: Obstetrics and gynecology (New York. 1953) Vol. 139; no. 1; pp. 21 - 21S
• Main Authors: Gregory, Emily, Abbasi, Aleeza, Markham, Kara B.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.05.2022
• ISSN: 0029-7844
• DOI: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000826608.53206.6b

INTRODUCTION: The Fetal Center (FC) at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center provides comprehensive fetal care for pregnancies complicated by fetal anomalies and genetic abnormalities. Many diagnoses require families to relocate to receive care. To date, no study has assessed the effect of fetal care on patient employment and education. METHODS: An anonymous survey was sent via email to patients who received care at our FC from 2015-2021. The survey included questions regarding demographics such as education and employment. RESULTS: 74.2% of patients (95% CI 69.9-78.2) reported employment during pregnancy, with half reporting full-time employment (54.2%, CI 49.3-59). Nearly half reported missing 1-5 days of work related to their care at the FC (45.4%, CI 40.2-50.7) and more than one-third of women missed >10 days (37.4%, CI 32.4-42.7). Ninety percent of patient partners worked full time during the pregnancy (90.5%, CI 87.3-92.9), with similar work absences (44.3% missed 1-5 days, CI 39.4-49.3, and 32.6% missed >10 days, CI 28.2-37.5). Only 8% of patients (CI 5.8-10.9) were pursuing education during their pregnancies, 4/5 of whom were unable to continue (78.1%, CI 69.3-84.9). Overall, >40% of women reported a moderate to severe negative effect on their employment or education related to care at the FC (41.6%, CI 36.8-46.5). CONCLUSION: This study illuminates the barriers to continued employment and education that care at a tertiary FC imposes on patients and their partners. This may have significant financial implications for families who may already be contending with the costs of medical care for their child, and providers should be cognizant of the fiscal effects of their recommendations.