Timeliness of Immunizations in CenteringParenting.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the timeliness of immunizations of children in CenteringParenting (Centering), a group well-child model, compared to children in individual well-child care.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of infants born October 1, 2014 to February 18, 2019 with a 2-month and subsequent well-child visit, both Centering or individual, at an academic pediatric practice in an urban, low-income community. In Centering, same age infants/mothers and a provider meet for 10, 2-hour group visits, and facilitated discussions. Providers are trained in group facilitation and participate in both Centering and individual visits. Primary outcome was timeliness of immunizations at 7, 13, 19, and 25 months. Analyses were by intention to treat.

RESULTS

The study population included 1735 children (Centering n = 342, individual n = 1393). By 25 months, 62% of children in Centering were up to date with all recommended immunizations compared to 44.2% of children in individual care, a 17.8% higher rate (P < .001). By 25 months, children in Centering made 3 additional well-child visits (9.2 vs 6.2, P < .001). Mediation analysis showed 82% of the effect on up to date status was due to increased attendance to well-child visits (P < .001); the remaining 18% was due to a Centering effect beyond the visit increase.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed a strong association of CenteringParenting with timeliness of immunizations and adherence to well-child visits compared to individual visits in a low income community. These findings warrant further exploration of the impact of Centering in reducing health disparities in communities at risk.