Telephone social support for low-income pregnant women.
OBJECTIVE
To assess whether social support can be provided to low-income pregnant women by telephone.


METHODS
A qualitative pilot study.


METHODS
Nonurban prenatal clinics.


METHODS
Convenience sample of 20 pregnant women who were eligible for Medicaid, spoke English, were at least 24 weeks gestation, and had a telephone or access to a telephone.


RESULTS
The Baby-Beep pilot program provides strong evidence that a telephone social support intervention is feasible and highly acceptable to a group of low-income pregnant women. Through the use of the telephone, a strong rapport appeared to develop between the health care provider and the women because nonverbal cues were eliminated. The study also found that collaboration between mental health nurses and prenatal care providers could help create safe, cost-effective psychosocial care for pregnant women.


CONCLUSIONS
The Baby-Beep pilot study provides important information about one way to deliver social support to low-income women who may have little or no social support and feel alienated in a clinical setting.
Bullock
Linda F C
LF
University of Missouri-Columbia, Sinclair School of Nursing, 65211-4120, USA. lbullock@missouri.edu
Browning
Catherine
C
Geden
Elizabeth
E
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D015277:Hotlines; D006801:Humans; D015146:Midwestern United States; D009773:Obstetric Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011203:Poverty; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000379:methods*; D012944:Social Support