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

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. •Comprehensive self-report screening in the first prenatal appointment is feasible•Such screening using the PROMOTE can guide providers’ time more efficiently•Aligned with trauma-informed care, it prepares patients to discuss sensitive topics•It helps facilitate relationships among patient, provider, and practice community