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Objective: To inform policy supporting the retention of family physicians (FPs) in the perinatal care workforce by identifying physician characteristics that are associated with retention. Data Sources and Study Setting: We surveyed FPs who had been in practice for at least 11 years and reported attending deliveries as part of their practice. Study Design: We compared the characteristics of FPs who continue to provide perinatal care to those who have ceased and explored their reasons for no longer attending deliveries. Data Collection/Extraction Methods: We estimated a probit regression with the dependent variable: whether the physician currently delivers babies. Open‐ended survey responses were analyzed and close‐coded using a conceptual content analysis approach. Principle Findings: Of the FPs who received a survey, 1505 (37%) responded. Those who continue attending deliveries were more likely to receive a stipend or be paid per hour/shift in addition to their salary versus those paid a salary (percentage point difference = 13), and less likely to work part‐time versus full‐time (percentage point difference = −20). Those who ceased attending deliveries cite lifestyle (n = 208), call structure (n = 113), and delivery volume (n = 89) among the reasons for doing so. Conclusions: Evidence‐based policies aimed at preventing attrition from the perinatal care workforce, which might include targeting compensation models and work–life balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patient‐centered care is the best practice in the care of pregnant and postpartum patients. The COVID‐19 pandemic prompted changes in perinatal care policies, which were often reactive, resulting in unintended consequences, many of which made the delivery of patient‐centered care more difficult. This study aimed to understand the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on perinatal health care delivery from the perspective of family physicians in the United States. Methods: From October 5 to November 4, 2020, we surveyed mid‐ to late‐career family physicians who provide perinatal care. We conducted descriptive analyses to measure the impact of COVID‐19 on prenatal care, labor and delivery, postpartum care, patient experience, and patient volume. An immersion‐crystallization approach was used to analyze qualitative data provided as open‐text comments. Results: Of the 1518 survey respondents, 1062 (69.8%) stated that they currently attend births; 595 of those elaborated about the impact of COVID‐19 on perinatal care in free‐text comments. Eight themes emerged related to the impact of COVID‐19 on perinatal care: visitation, patient decisions, testing, personal protective equipment, care continuity, changes in care delivery, reassignment, and volume. The greatest perceived impact of COVID‐19 was on patient experience. Conclusions: Family physicians who provided perinatal care during the COVID‐19 pandemic noted a considerable impact on patient experience, which particularly affected the ability to deliver patient‐centered and family‐centered care. Continued research is needed to understand the long‐term impact of policies affecting the delivery of patient‐centered perinatal care and to inform more evidence‐based, proactive policies to be implemented in future pandemic or disaster situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]