About  "Centering"
            copyright© 2008   Centering Healthcare Institute Inc.
       
         Web site created/managed by Ron Rising, Rising Images 
             ron@risingimages.com   /   www.risingimages.com
                       
Centering is a model for delivery of health care that is on the forefront of health care system reform.  The three components of care--

                                      • assessment          • education          • support  

--are provided within a group facilitated by a credentialed health provider and a co-facilitator.

The Centering model outcomes include:  empowerment and community building, increased satisfaction with care, reduction in preterm birth, and increased breastfeeding.
CenteringPregnancy® was piloted by a nurse-midwife in 1993-95 in a hospital clinic, a community health center, and a private office.  Now there are sites in almost all of the 50 states and some foreign countries.
  

CenteringParenting® well-woman/well-baby care began piloting in 2005.   These groups provide care through the first postpartum year and beyond, to both moms and babies.
Lifecycle groups are developing for a variety of populations, including diabetes, menopause, and chronic care.
Centering is an evidence-based redesign of health care delivery that helps to promote:

     • safety,
     • efficiency,
     • effectiveness,
     • timeliness,
     • culturally appropriate/           
     • patient-centered care, and 
     • more equitable care.   
Centering groups promote:

1.  Self-care
2.  Prolonged provider/patient  contact time
3.  Empowerment of participants
4.  Support and friendship
5.  Learning
6.  Better birth outcomes
7.  Fun
Centering is an exciting way for
patients and their families to get care.  Patients spend more time with their health care provider and with others with similar health concerns, giving them an opportunity to learn together and from each other.

Check-ups, education/skills building and development of community all take place in a group setting.
CENTERING HEALTHCARE INSTITUTE, INC.
       558 Maple Ave., Cheshire, CT 06410
  telephone: 203-271-3632  fax: 203-272-3460
             info@centeringhealthcare.org
 
Essential Elements of Centering

• Health assessment occurs within the
   group space.

• Participants are involved  in self-care
   activities.

• A facilitative leadership style is used.

• The group is conducted in a circle.

• Each session has an overall plan.

• Attention is given to the core content,
   although emphasis may vary.

• There is stability of group leadership.

• Group conduct honors the contri-
   bution of each member.

• The composition of the group is
   stable, not rigid.

• Group size is optimal to promote the
   process.

• Involvement of support people is
   optional.

• Opportunity for socializing with the
   group is provided.

• There is ongoing evaluation of
   outcomes.