Can physicians be induced to resume obstetric practice?

BACKGROUND

Decreased numbers of obstetric providers during the last decade have limited access to obstetrics care, especially for some groups of women. Increasing or stabilizing the number of providers could increase access.

METHODS

A questionnaire was mailed in 1989 to 1965 Washington State family physicians and obstetricians to determine their attitudes toward the practice of obstetrics. Sixty-six percent of physicians responded to the survey.

RESULTS

Of those who had quit obstetrics in the previous 3 years, 42 percent of responding family physicians and 19 percent of responding obstetricians would consider resuming. Those family physicians willing to consider resuming their obstetric practices were more likely to have been in practice fewer years, employed by a health maintenance organization (HMO), or located in a rural area. A majority of all respondents cited excessive malpractice premiums and fear of malpractice suit as reasons for stopping obstetric practice. Family physicians willing to consider resuming obstetrics were more concerned about the overall number of obstetric providers in their area. Rural family physicians willing to consider resuming obstetrics listed poor backup or shared call more often as a reason they had quit.

CONCLUSIONS

Attention targeted to the concerns of family physicians who have been in practice for a short time, who work for HMOs, or who are in rural practice might help induce some physicians to resume obstetrics.