Name
#14 Impact of Transfer of Care at Greater Than 20 Weeks Gestation on Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes
Content Presented on Behalf of
Air Force
Services/Agencies represented
US Air Force, US Army, Military Health System/Health Affairs (MHS/HA), US Navy
Session Type
Posters
Room#/Location
Prince Georges Exhibit Hall A/B
Focus Areas/Topics
Clinical Care
Learning Outcomes
Following this session, the attendee will be able to: 1. Summarize the impact of maternal transfer of care on both maternal and neonatal outcomes. 2. Interpret maternal and neonatal outcome differences between those with maternal transfer of care and baseline data. 3. Illustrate the significant burden for birthing parents who undergo transfer of care during pregnancy. 4. Reflect on the implications of this study, with need for further examination across the military health system.
Session Currently Live
Description

Background: The impact of mid-late pregnancy transfer of care (TOC) on maternal and neonatal outcomes is currently unknown. There are limited, generalized studies illustrating that maternal stress during pregnancy is associated with both preterm birth and low birth weight. It is crucial to understand the implications of TOC during pregnancy, therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of maternal TOC at greater than 20-weeks gestation on maternal and neonatal outcomes within the transient military population. Methods: Convergent emergent parallel mixed methods design was utilized, with a retrospective cohort review of pregnant individuals who had transferred care at greater than 20 weeks and had live births at a single center (Brooke Army Medical Center) between Jan 2017-Dec 2021. Descriptive statistics were applied to report maternal and neonatal variables and outcomes. Local data from one calendar year (2018) was used for baseline comparison and statistical analysis was conducted using a Pearson’s Chi Square analysis. Interviews were conducted with nine women who underwent TOC, detailing their experience, with descriptive thematic analysis performed on interview transcripts. Results: 926 individuals TOC at greater than 20 weeks, with 939 live-births. Median age at transfer was 30 weeks. 99 patients (10.7%) had at least one incomplete lab. Rate of post-partum hemorrhage was 3% lower than baseline 4.1%. 20 patients TOC within a week of delivery. Primary C-Section was mode of delivery for 184 individuals (19.4%), lower than baseline 21.8%. Infants delivered at mean gestational age of 38.8 weeks and birthweight 3332 grams. 5.3% of individuals delivered preterm. 128 neonates (13.6%) underwent sepsis evaluation with antibiotic (abx) coverage. Abx exposure mean was 3.2 days and 18 neonates (1.9%) received > 4 days of abx. Three neonates were diagnosed with culture proven sepsis, an early onset sepsis rate 3.2/1000 (CDC rate 0.5/1000). 97 neonates (10.3%) required NICU admission, with average length of stay 2.7 days. Consistent themes uncovered in interviews revealed effects on care were a considerable concern. Administrative barriers and the personal toll incurred were consistently reported. Conclusions: Mid-late pregnancy TOC is a common occurrence for military-affiliated women. This single-center study revealed some significant differences between mid-late pregnancy TOC and baseline data, some of which may reflect a lapse in access to care rather than true differences in patient populations. Qualitative analysis revealed a significant burden for pregnant mothers who undergo TOC. Further examination of maternal and neonatal outcomes, as well as the maternal experience following TOC across the military health system is crucial to better ensure optimal provision of care for this population.