Saving time, signaling trust: Using the PROMOTE self-report screening instrument to enhance prenatal care quality and therapeutic relationships

Objectives: Comprehensive screening of psychosocial vulnerabilities and substance use in prenatal care is critical to promote the health and well-being of pregnant patients. Effective implementation of new screening procedures and instruments should be accompanied by an in-depth investigation to assess their feasibility and impact on care delivery. Methods: In 2020, following implementation of the Profile for Maternal and Obstetric Treatment Effectiveness (PROMOTE) an innovative self-report screening instrument developed for outpatient prenatal clinics in the U.S., we conducted individual interviews and focus groups with twenty-two midwives, nurse practitioners, and obstetric residents focused on the PROMOTE and its impacts on care delivery. We used interpretive description for the qualitative analysis of the interviews. Results: Five themes were identified: Guiding Time Efficiently: “The Time I Don't Have,” Preventing Missed Care, Signaling Trustworthiness, Establishing Trauma-Informed Foundations, and Promoting “Honest” Patient Disclosure. Conclusion: Interviews suggest that patient completion of the PROMOTE before the medical encounter helps reduce previously reported barriers, is more time-effective, and makes history-taking easier. It also facilitates the patient-provider relationship. Innovation: Findings offer insight into the breadth and depth of clinical impact resulting from the PROMOTE, and provide guidance for the implementation of such tools to optimize health outcomes.