Navigating uncertainty and patient care in pregnancy: trust, satisfaction, and patient-centered communication

BACKGROUND: Uncertainty is an inherent part of the pregnancy experience, and communication with obstetrician/gynecologists (OB/GYNs) may influence feelings of uncertainty and patient outcomes. This study examines the association of uncertainty with patient-centered communication, trust, satisfaction, and social attraction among pregnant women in the United States during their prenatal care visits, and identifies strategies healthcare providers can use to improve pregnant patient satisfaction. METHODS: An online cross-sectional study was conducted, including open-ended questions; 572 pregnant participants shared their perceptions of interactions with their OB/GYNs. RESULTS: Women with lower uncertainty reported greater trust, satisfaction, and social attraction toward their providers, and higher perceptions of patient-centered communication. Thematic analysis of open-ended survey data revealed that patients had concerns related to OB/GYNs' time management, lack of professionalism, communication issues, and impersonal attitude. Various themes emerged for how OB/GYNs could improve patient care, including more empathetic and transparent communication, giving more personalized care, asking and answering more questions, and spending more time with patients. CONCLUSIONS: These results underscore the importance of addressing uncertainty to enhance maternal care experiences. Strategies such as proactive information-sharing and empathetic communication may reduce uncertainty, fostering better patient-provider relationships.