Timeliness of Immunizations in CenteringParenting.

Abstract 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 10/1/2014 - 2/18/2019 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 ten, 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 1,735 children (Centering n=342, individual n=1393). By 25 months, 62.0% 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 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, minority community. These findings warrant further exploration of the impact of Centering in reducing health disparities in communities at risk.