Centering

A better way to give and receive health care

Centering is a model of group health care delivery that is changing how people think about their care. It is a way for anyone to receive health and preventive care. The model has three components: health care assessment, education, and support, provided in a group facilitated by a credentialed health provider and a co-facilitator.

Centering is a rewarding way for patients to participate in their care and for providers to have a dynamic partnership with their patients. Group participants spend more time with their provider and with others with similar health concerns, giving them an opportunity to learn together and from each other.

Outcomes for people getting care in group are uniformly better than for those in traditional care. In a randomized control trial conducted through Yale University on 1047 women in public clinics randomized to traditional or group care there was a 33% reduction in preterm birth for women in Centering groups. In addition, satisfaction with care was significantly higher, there were increased breast feeding rates, and improved knowledge and readiness for birth and parenting.

The Centering model is on the forefront of system reform and responds to the Institute of Medicine’s Rules for Redesign of the healthcare system. It provides care that is culturally appropriate, often in language-specific groups, and promotes the building of health communities. We invite you to explore further to get additional information on how the Centering Healthcare Institute can help you to change your paradigm of health care delivery to one that is more efficient and satisfying for all.

Centering Healthcare Institute Brochure