Implementing Two Models for Lifestyle Medicine Maternal Group Visits and Resident Training

Abstract

Despite high health care expenditure, the United States reports a steady increase in maternal mortality. Chronic lifestyle diseases that complicate pregnancy can be improved through lifestyle medicine. Though lifestyle medicine is supported across multiple medical disciplines, minimal physician knowledge and time constraints limit its implementation. Group visits are an effective way to promote lifestyle medicine. Two new group visit models that integrate lifestyle medicine into perinatal care are described. Conscious Motherhood (CM) is an 8-week group visit program implemented at an FQHC that focuses on managing chronic conditions diagnosed during pregnancy. The second program is a resident-led listening session following a validated state group visit curriculum that seeks to reduce black infant and maternal morbidity/mortality. Among CM participants, several patients with an elevated BMI lost approximately 10-25 pounds, two were deprescribed long-term antihypertensive medication, and others reported regularization of irregular menses and improvement of fibromyalgia. Eighteen patients and 5 physician trainees participated in the first 18 months of CM. For the state group listening session, attendance averaged 4-5 unique attendees at each session. Group visits centered in lifestyle medicine may help reduce maternal chronic disease, improve perinatal outcomes, and train medical professionals in lifestyle-oriented care.