Transvaginal Ultrasound: Preterm Birth Prevention in Appalachia

Implementation of a Transvaginal Ultrasound Surveillance Program in Women With a History of Previous Preterm Birth: Disseminating Evidenced Based Practices for Reducing Preterm Birth in Appalachian Kentucky

Preterm Birth is the number one cause of infant morbidity and mortality worldwide and represents an important health disparity in the United States, particularly across the state of Kentucky. The best biomarker for the prediction of preterm birth is transvaginal ultrasound (TVU). This study will attempt to identify and rectify provider and patient related barriers to TVU screening implementation.

Preterm birth is the number one cause of infant morbidity and mortality worldwide and represents an important health disparity in the United States, and especially across the state of Kentucky. The best biomarker for the prediction of preterm birth is transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) measurement of cervical length. However, several unique provider and patient related barriers for implementation of this screening limit the widespread uptake of this evidence based practice in Appalachian KY. The investigators propose to adopt a dissemination and implementation science approach using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) as the guiding framework for identification of key areas of knowledge deficits as well as attitudes, practices and perceived barriers among prenatal care providers and patients in eastern KY towards TVU cervical length screening using a mixed - methods design. This will be utilized to develop a multifaceted implementation strategy best suited for addressing and overcoming barriers identified by the target population in eastern KY. The investigators anticipate that such an implementation strategy will likely include an educational component targeting obstetric care providers and patients in addition to hands-on TVU cervical length evaluation as well as telemedicine support and surveillance. Three community based sites (Hazard, Morehead and Ashland, KY) will be recruited for implementation of this multi-component pilot program focused on community engagement and outreach targeting obstetric providers and their patients. At the end of the pilot implementation phase, acceptability of the study intervention and feasibility of implementation will be evaluated along with a preliminary assessment of effectiveness of implementation.

Patients with a history of pre-term birth will be identified through a review of their medical history. Patients will then be asked to complete a survey assessing their knowledge of transvaginal ultrasound screening. Patients will then be asked to attend in-person or online workshops designed to increase patient knowledge of TVU screening guidelines and benefits. Finally, patients will complete exit surveys to determine whether their attitudes and beliefs towards screening have changed over time.

Obstetric and Gynecologic Providers will be identified based on prior working relationships with the University of Kentucky outreach programs. Chosen providers will be asked to complete a survey assessing their attitudes towards TVU screening. Following completion, providers will be asked to attend either in-person or online workshops designed to increase provider knowledge of TVU screening guidelines and benefits. Finally, providers will complete exit surveys to determine whether their attitudes and beliefs toward screening have changed over time.

Workshops tailored toward patients to increase knowledge about TVU screening guidelines and benefits.

Workshops tailored toward providers to increase knowledge about TVU screening guidelines and benefits.

The primary purpose of this study is to evaluate the change in attitudes towards TVU screening among patients and practitioners. This will be accomplished by conducting a qualitative interview with each participant at baseline and again at one year (after completing the CLEAR program workshop).

Potential for future TVU screening implementation based on changes in attitudes towards TVU screening among providers and participants.

The primary purpose of this study is to evaluate the change in attitudes towards TVU screening among patients and practitioners. This will be accomplished by conducting a qualitative interview with each participant at baseline and again at one year (after completing the CLEAR program workshop). Analysis of these interviews will aid in determining feasibility of implementing a future TVU screening component in Obstetric and Gynecologic care.

Subjects (patients) included in this study will be followed to determine rate of preterm birth at various time points.

Subjects (patients) included in this study will be followed to determine rate of preterm birth at various time points.

Records of TVU scans identifying a short cervix among the study population will be analyzed to determine the rate of short cervix issues among the population. The percentage will aid in determining the need for future TVU screening in similar populations.

Subjects (patients) included in this study will be followed to determine whether they are subjects to hospitalization prior to birthing due to complications associated with preterm labor.

Inclusion Criteria: Participant Female Sex Prior history of preterm birth (for initial set of interviews), no preterm birth history required for intervention feedback Current pregnant status Exclusion Criteria: Participant Male Sex Inclusion Criteria: Provider Certified as obstetric/gynecologic provider