title: Experiences of family physicians who practise primary care obstetrics in groups.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of family physicians in primary care obstetrical groups.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using a qualitative approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with 12 Edmonton family physicians who participated in primary care obstetrical groups. Experiences with respect to several aspects of group obstetrical practice were examined including advantages and challenges of primary care obstetrical groups, provision of patient care by a group, fit with other work commitments, and sustainability of the groups. Study data were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Independent and team analysis was iterative and interpretive.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Primary care obstetrical groups were found to preserve a family physician's enjoyment of obstetrics and allowed for continuity of care. They afforded work-life balance, allowed for collaboration, and provided support and a social network for group members. Such groups were found to facilitate short-term family physician absences, although long-term absences (such as maternity leaves) were considered challenging. Participants described conflict within primary care obstetrical groups and considered sustainability to be a challenge.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Family physicians' continued involvement in obstetrics could be facilitated by their participation in primary care obstetrical groups.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB.
authors.forename: Sudha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Koppula
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The Centre for Studies in Family Medicine, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON.
authors.forename: Judith B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON.
authors.forename: John M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Jordan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000416:Alberta; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D006123:Group Practice; D006127:Group Structure; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008875:Middle Aged; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000523:psychology*; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*