Abstract 762
Communication with postpartum mothers (PPMs) is an important aspect of pediatrics. It is our observation, however, that PPMs are frequently watching television (TV) during the pediatrician's (PED) visit. In a convenience sample of 16 PEDs, all felt TV being on interfered (3 "somewhat" and 13 "very much") with their communication with PPMs; all respondents commented on feelings of frustration/distraction. Given these sentiments we conducted an observational study on the postpartum floor of an inner-city hospital. OBJECTIVE: To determine incidence of PPMs watching TV during PED visit, to document whether PPMs watching TV, turn TV off or adjust volume, and to assess PPMs' attention to PED. STUDY DESIGN: During their Term Nursery rotation, two PED residents and a study volunteer documented observations (TV on or off, mother on phone, response of mother) during a routine postpartum visit at which residents identified themselves as physicians caring for the baby and stated their purpose was to discuss issues such as circumcision and follow-up plans. If TV on, PPMs were categorized as attentive to PED or as watching TV intermittently. PPMs' overall interaction with PED (eye contact [minimal/almost always], interest in PED information [flat affect/very interested], questions asked[none/>5]) were rated on a Likert scale ranging from 1(minimal/least) to 5 (almost always/most). RESULTS: Data from 92 visits with 68 PPMs were analyzed. PPMs had mean age of 24.9 yrs (16-42), and mean parity of 1.4 (1-11); none had general anesthesia. Median time of visit was at 31 hrs. postpartum. PPMs were watching TV during 59 (64%) visits; 1 PPM turned TV off, and 1 PPM turned volume down. During 19/59 (32%) visits with TV on, PPMs continued to watch TV intermittently. Nineteen PPMs were on phone during visit: 16 hung up within 30 sec., 2 put phone down but did not hang up, and 1 kept talking. Likert scale mean scores for overall interaction of PPMs with PED were: PPMs with TV off (values shown first) vs. PPMs with TV on: eye contact 4.0±.9 vs 3.6±.9 (p=.06); interest in information 3.7±.9 vs 3.7±.9 (p=.87); questions asked 2.1±.9 vs 2.0 ±.8 (p=.78). Comparisons of Likert scale mean scores were also made between PPMs with TV on but not watched during PED visit (values presented first) and PPMs continuing to watch TV: eye contact 4.0±.6 vs 2.9±.8 (p<.001); interest in information 3.9±.7 vs 3.0±.7 (p<.001); and questions asked 2.1±.7 vs 1.8±.9 (p=.17). Results were not related to maternal age, parity, or whether visit was initial or subsequent.
