Which strategy should an OB-GYN clinic employ to reduce missed maternal postpartum appointments attributed to transportation barriers and long wait times?

Combining the mother and infant's check-ups into a single visit directly addresses two key barriers that contribute to missed postpartum appointments: transportation challenges and long wait times. By consolidating appointments, the clinic can make it more convenient for new mothers to attend their visits, as they only need to make one trip rather than two separate ones. This not only saves time and travel effort but also helps to streamline the patient flow in the clinic, thereby reducing the overall waiting time.

Additionally, this strategy recognizes the interconnectedness of maternal and infant care, ensuring that both the mother and baby receive the necessary follow-up without requiring additional trips. This can lead to higher adherence to postpartum care recommendations, improved health outcomes, and greater satisfaction among patients.

While improving transportation options or offering virtual appointments could also be beneficial, they do not directly address the issue of combined visits, which can provide immediate relief from the logistical burden on new mothers. Increasing the number of available appointments might help with accessibility, yet if patients still face transportation barriers or long wait times during those appointments, it may not resolve the underlying problem. Thus, consolidating appointments is an effective and comprehensive strategy to enhance patient attendance.