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Fumagalli S, Nespoli A, Panzeri M, Pellegrini E, Ercolanoni M, Vrabie PS, Leoni O, Locatelli A. Intrapartum Quality of Care among Healthy Women: A Population-Based Cohort Study in an Italian Region. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:629. [PMID: 38791843 PMCID: PMC11121066 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21050629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Although the quality of care during childbirth is a maternity service's goal, less is known about the impact of the birth setting dimension on provision of care, defined as evidence-based intrapartum midwifery practices. This study's aim was to investigate the impact of hospital birth volume (≥1000 vs. <1000 births/year) on intrapartum midwifery care and perinatal outcomes. We conducted a population-based cohort study on healthy pregnant women who gave birth between 2018 and 2022 in Lombardy, Italy. A total of 145,224 (41.14%) women were selected from nationally linked databases. To achieve the primary aim, log-binomial regression models were constructed. More than 70% of healthy pregnant women gave birth in hospitals (≥1000 births/year) where there was lower use of nonpharmacological coping strategies, higher likelihood of epidural analgesia, episiotomy, birth companion's presence at birth, skin-to-skin contact, and first breastfeeding within 1 h (p-value < 0.001). Midwives attended almost all the births regardless of birth volume (98.80%), while gynecologists and pediatricians were more frequently present in smaller hospitals. There were no significant differences in perinatal outcomes. Our findings highlighted the impact of the birth setting dimension on the provision of care to healthy pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Fumagalli
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (S.F.); (A.N.); (A.L.)
- Department of Obstetrics, Foundation IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Antonella Nespoli
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (S.F.); (A.N.); (A.L.)
- Department of Obstetrics, Foundation IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Maria Panzeri
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (S.F.); (A.N.); (A.L.)
| | - Edda Pellegrini
- Maternal and Child Committee, Lombardy Region, 20124 Milan, Italy;
| | | | | | - Olivia Leoni
- Welfare Department, Epidemiologic Observatory, Lombardy Region, 20124 Milan, Italy;
| | - Anna Locatelli
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (S.F.); (A.N.); (A.L.)
- Department of Obstetrics, Foundation IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, 20900 Monza, Italy
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Kozhimannil KB, Sheffield EC, Fritz AH, Interrante JD, Henning-Smith C, Lewis VA. Health insurance coverage and experiences of intimate partner violence and postpartum abuse screening among rural US residents who gave birth 2016-2020. J Rural Health 2024. [PMID: 38733132 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Intimate partner violence (IPV) is elevated among rural residents and contributes to maternal morbidity and mortality. Postpartum health insurance expansion efforts could address multiple causes of maternal morbidity and mortality, including IPV. The objective of this study was to describe the relationship between perinatal health insurance, IPV, and postpartum abuse screening among rural US residents. METHODS Using 2016-2020 data on rural residents from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, we assessed self-report of experiencing physical violence by an intimate partner and rates of abuse screening at postpartum visits. Health insurance at childbirth and postpartum was categorized as private, Medicaid, or uninsured. We also measured insurance transitions from childbirth to postpartum (continuous private, continuous Medicaid, Medicaid to private, and Medicaid to uninsured). FINDINGS IPV rates varied by health insurance status at childbirth, with the highest rates among Medicaid beneficiaries (7.7%), compared to those who were uninsured (1.6%) or privately insured (1.6%). When measured by insurance transitions, the highest IPV rates were reported by those with continuous Medicaid coverage (8.6%), followed by those who transitioned from Medicaid at childbirth to private insurance (5.3%) or no insurance (5.9%) postpartum. Nearly half (48.1%) of rural residents lacked postpartum abuse screening, with the highest proportion among rural residents who were uninsured at childbirth (66.1%) or postpartum (52.1%). CONCLUSION Rural residents who are insured by Medicaid before or after childbirth are at elevated risk for IPV. Medicaid policy efforts to improve maternal health should focus on improving detection and screening for IPV among rural residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy Backes Kozhimannil
- Division of Health Policy and Management, Rural Health Research Center, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Emily C Sheffield
- Division of Health Policy and Management, Rural Health Research Center, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Alyssa H Fritz
- Division of Health Policy and Management, Rural Health Research Center, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Julia D Interrante
- Division of Health Policy and Management, Rural Health Research Center, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Carrie Henning-Smith
- Division of Health Policy and Management, Rural Health Research Center, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Valerie A Lewis
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Fontenot J, Brigance C, Lucas R, Stoneburner A. Navigating geographical disparities: access to obstetric hospitals in maternity care deserts and across the United States. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:350. [PMID: 38720255 PMCID: PMC11080172 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06535-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Access to maternity care in the U.S. remains inequitable, impacting over two million women in maternity care "deserts." Living in these areas, exacerbated by hospital closures and workforce shortages, heightens the risks of pregnancy-related complications, particularly in rural regions. This study investigates travel distances and time to obstetric hospitals, emphasizing disparities faced by those in maternity care deserts and rural areas, while also exploring variances across races and ethnicities. METHODS The research adopted a retrospective secondary data analysis, utilizing the American Hospital Association and Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Provider of Services Files to classify obstetric hospitals. The study population included census tract estimates of birthing individuals sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2017-2021 American Community Survey. Using ArcGIS Pro Network Analyst, drive time and distance calculations to the nearest obstetric hospital were conducted. Furthermore, Hot Spot Analysis was employed to identify areas displaying significant spatial clusters of high and low travel distances. RESULTS The mean travel distance and time to the nearest obstetric facility was 8.3 miles and 14.1 minutes. The mean travel distance for maternity care deserts and rural counties was 28.1 and 17.3 miles, respectively. While birthing people living in rural maternity care deserts had the highest average travel distance overall (33.4 miles), those living in urban maternity care deserts also experienced inequities in travel distance (25.0 miles). States with hotspots indicating significantly higher travel distances included: Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska. Census tracts where the predominant race is American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) had the highest travel distance and time compared to those of all other predominant races/ethnicities. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed significant disparities in obstetric hospital access, especially affecting birthing individuals in maternity care deserts, rural counties, and communities predominantly composed of AIAN individuals, resulting in extended travel distances and times. To rectify these inequities, sustained investment in the obstetric workforce and implementation of innovative programs are imperative, specifically targeting improved access in maternity care deserts as a priority area within healthcare policy and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jazmin Fontenot
- Perinatal Data Center, March of Dimes, 1550 Crystal Drive Suite 1300, Arlington, VA, USA.
| | - Christina Brigance
- Perinatal Data Center, March of Dimes, 1550 Crystal Drive Suite 1300, Arlington, VA, USA
| | - Ripley Lucas
- Perinatal Data Center, March of Dimes, 1550 Crystal Drive Suite 1300, Arlington, VA, USA
| | - Ashley Stoneburner
- Perinatal Data Center, March of Dimes, 1550 Crystal Drive Suite 1300, Arlington, VA, USA
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McLean KC, Meyer MC, Peters SR, Wrenn LD, Yeager SB, Flyer JN. Obstetric imaging practice characteristics associated with prenatal detection of critical congenital heart disease in a rural US region over 20 years. Prenat Diagn 2024. [PMID: 38459708 DOI: 10.1002/pd.6551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify clinical practice characteristics associated with the frequency of prenatal critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) detection (i.e., the number of liveborn infants with postnatally confirmed CCHD identified on prenatal sonography) over 20 years in a rural setting comprised of 11 primarily low-volume obstetric hospitals and the single tertiary academic hospital to which they refer. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of all patients in the referral region with an initial prenatal and/or postnatal diagnosis of CCHD from 01/01/2002 to 12/31/2021. The frequency of prenatal CCHD detection at the time of an obstetric ultrasound was reported, as was the change in detection over time. Critical congenital heart disease detection was assessed as a function of cardiac lesion type, practice setting, and practice characteristics. RESULTS There were 271 cases with a confirmed postnatal CCHD diagnosis, of which 49% were identified prenatally. The majority of community practices each averaged <10 CCHD cases in total over the study period. Prenatal detection at the tertiary academic hospital's obstetric ultrasound unit was 64%, compared to 22% at the combined referring community practices (p < 0.001), though CCHD detection improved over time in both settings. Professional accreditation by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, image interpretation by radiology or Maternal Fetal Medicine, and use of video clips of ventricular outflow tracts were associated with improved prenatal CCHD detection. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate the infrequency of CCHD cases at small-volume, rural hospitals and the substantial variation in prenatal CCHD detection across practice settings. Our methods allowed for the identification of practice characteristics associated with prenatal CCHD detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelley C McLean
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Marjorie C Meyer
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Sarah R Peters
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Lia D Wrenn
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Scott B Yeager
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Jonathan N Flyer
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
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Turner MJ. Delivery after a previous cesarean section reviewed. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2023; 163:757-762. [PMID: 37194553 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
At the start of the 20th century, cesarean section (CS) was uncommon in obstetrics. By the end of the century, CS rates had increased dramatically worldwide. Although the explanation for the increase is multifactorial, a major driver in the ongoing escalation is the increase in women who are delivered by repeat CS. This is due, in part, to the fact that there has been a sharp fall in vaginal birth after CS (VBAC) rates as fewer women are offered a trial of labor after CS (TOLAC), due principally to fears of a catastrophic intrapartum uterine rupture. This paper reviewed international VBAC policies and trends. A number of themes emerged. The risk of intrapartum rupture and its associated complications is low and may sometimes be overestimated. Individual maternity hospitals in both developed and developing countries are inadequately resourced to safely supervise a TOLAC. Efforts to mitigate the risks of TOLAC by careful patient selection and good clinical practices may be underutilized. Given the serious short-term and long-term consequences of rising CS rates for women and for maternity services generally, a review of TOLAC policies worldwide should be prioritized and consideration given to convening a Global Consensus Development Conference on Delivery after CS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Turner
- UCD Centre for Human Reproduction, Coombe Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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Chaturvedi R, Lui B, Tangel VE, Abramovitz SE, Pryor KO, Lim KG, White RS. United States rural residence is associated with increased acute maternal end-organ injury or mortality after birth: a retrospective multi-state analysis, 2007-2018. Int J Obstet Anesth 2023; 56:103916. [PMID: 37625988 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijoa.2023.103916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Geographic-based healthcare determinants and choice of anesthesia have been shown to be associated with maternal morbidity and mortality. We explored whether differences in maternal outcomes based on maternal residence, and anesthesia type for cesarean and vaginal birth, exist. METHODS This study was a retrospective multi-state analysis; patient residence was the predictor variable of interest and a composite binary measure of maternal end-organ injury or inpatient mortality was the primary outcome. Our secondary outcomes included a binary measure of anesthesia type for cesarean birth (general vs. neuraxial [NA]) and NA analgesia for vaginal birth (no NA vs. NA). Our predictor variable of interest was patient residency (reference category central metropolitan areas of >1 million population), fringe large metropolitan county, medium metropolitan, small metropolitan, micropolitan, and non-metropolitan or micropolitan county. RESULTS Women residing in micropolitan (OR 1.17; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.27) and non-metropolitan or micropolitan counties (OR 1.14; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.24) had the highest adjusted increased odds of adverse maternal outcomes. Those residing in suburban, medium, and small metropolitan areas underwent general anesthesia less often during cesarean births than those residing in urban areas. Patients residing in micropolitan rural (OR 2.07; 95% CI 2.02 to 2.12) and non-metropolitan or micropolitan (2.25; 95% CI 2.16 to 2.34) counties underwent vaginal births without NA analgesia more than twice as often as those residing in urban areas. CONCLUSIONS Rural-urban disparities in maternal end-organ damage and mortality exist and anesthesia choice may play an important role in these disparate outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Chaturvedi
- New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - B Lui
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - V E Tangel
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - S E Abramovitz
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - K O Pryor
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - K G Lim
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - R S White
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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Leyenaar JK, Freyleue SD, Arakelyan M, Goodman DC, O’Malley AJ. Pediatric Hospitalizations at Rural and Urban Teaching and Nonteaching Hospitals in the US, 2009-2019. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2331807. [PMID: 37656457 PMCID: PMC10474556 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.31807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance National analyses suggest that approximately 1 in 5 US hospitals closed their pediatric units between 2008 and 2018. The extent to which pediatric hospitalizations at general hospitals in rural and urban communities decreased during this period is not well understood. Objective To describe changes in the number and proportion of pediatric hospitalizations and costs at urban teaching, urban nonteaching, and rural hospitals vs freestanding children's hospitals from 2009 to 2019; to estimate the number and proportion of hospitals providing inpatient pediatric care; and to characterize changes in clinical complexity. Design, Setting, and Participants This study is a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of the 2009, 2012, 2016, and 2019 Kids' Inpatient Database, a nationally representative data set of US pediatric hospitalizations among children younger than 18 years. Data were analyzed from February to June 2023. Exposures Pediatric hospitalizations were grouped as birth or nonbirth hospitalizations. Hospitals were categorized as freestanding children's hospitals or as rural, urban nonteaching, or urban teaching general hospitals. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcomes were annual number and proportion of birth and nonbirth hospitalizations and health care costs, changes in the proportion of hospitalizations with complex diagnoses, and estimated number and proportion of hospitals providing pediatric care and associated hospital volumes. Regression analyses were used to compare health care utilization in 2019 vs that in 2009. Results The data included 23.2 million (95% CI, 22.7-23.6 million) weighted hospitalizations. From 2009 to 2019, estimated national annual pediatric hospitalizations decreased from 6 425 858 to 5 297 882, as birth hospitalizations decreased by 10.6% (95% CI, 6.1%-15.1%) and nonbirth hospitalizations decreased by 28.9% (95% CI, 21.3%-36.5%). Concurrently, hospitalizations with complex chronic disease diagnoses increased by 45.5% (95% CI, 34.6%-56.4%), and hospitalizations with mental health diagnoses increased by 78.0% (95% CI, 61.6%-94.4%). During this period, the most substantial decreases were in nonbirth hospitalizations at rural hospitals (4-fold decrease from 229 263 to 62 729) and urban nonteaching hospitals (6-fold decrease from 581 320 to 92 118). In 2019, birth hospitalizations occurred at 2666 hospitals. Nonbirth pediatric hospitalizations occurred at 3507 hospitals, including 1256 rural hospitals and 843 urban nonteaching hospitals where the median nonbirth hospitalization volumes were fewer than 25 per year. Conclusions and Relevance Between 2009 and 2019, the largest decreases in pediatric hospitalizations occurred at rural and urban nonteaching hospitals. Clinical and policy initiatives to support hospitals with low pediatric volumes may be needed to maintain hospital access and pediatric readiness, particularly in rural communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- JoAnna K. Leyenaar
- Department of Pediatrics, Dartmouth Health Children’s, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Seneca D. Freyleue
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Mary Arakelyan
- Department of Pediatrics, Dartmouth Health Children’s, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - David C. Goodman
- Department of Pediatrics, Dartmouth Health Children’s, Lebanon, New Hampshire
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - A. James O’Malley
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire
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Handley SC, Formanowski B, Passarella M, Kozhimannil KB, Leonard SA, Main EK, Phibbs CS, Lorch SA. Perinatal Care Measures Are Incomplete If They Do Not Assess The Birth Parent-Infant Dyad As A Whole. Health Aff (Millwood) 2023; 42:1266-1274. [PMID: 37669487 PMCID: PMC10901240 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2023.00398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Measures of perinatal care quality and outcomes often focus on either the birth parent or the infant. We used linked vital statistics and hospital discharge data to describe a dyadic measure (including both the birth parent and the infant) for perinatal care during the birth hospitalization. In this five-state cohort of 2010-18 births, 21.6 percent of birth parent-infant dyads experienced at least one complication, and 9.6 percent experienced a severe complication. Severe infant complications were eight times more prevalent than severe birth parent complications. Among birth parents with a severe complication, the co-occurrence of a severe infant complication ranged from 2 percent to 51 percent, whereas among infants with a severe complication, the co-occurrence of a severe birth parent complication was rare, ranging from 0.04 percent to 5 percent. These data suggest that measures, clinical interventions, public reporting, and policies focused on either the birth parent or the infant are incomplete in their assessment of a healthy dyad. Thus, clinicians, administrators, and policy makers should evaluate dyadic measures, incentivize positive outcomes for both patients (parent and infant), and create policies that support the health of the dyad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara C Handley
- Sara C. Handley , Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ciaran S Phibbs
- Ciaran S. Phibbs, Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Menlo Park, California; and Stanford University
| | - Scott A Lorch
- Scott A. Lorch, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania
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9
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Kozhimannil KB, Leonard SA, Handley SC, Passarella M, Main EK, Lorch SA, Phibbs CS. Obstetric Volume and Severe Maternal Morbidity Among Low-Risk and Higher-Risk Patients Giving Birth at Rural and Urban US Hospitals. JAMA HEALTH FORUM 2023; 4:e232110. [PMID: 37354537 DOI: 10.1001/jamahealthforum.2023.2110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Identifying hospital factors associated with severe maternal morbidity (SMM) is essential to clinical and policy efforts. Objective To assess associations between obstetric volume and SMM in rural and urban hospitals and examine whether these associations differ for low-risk and higher-risk patients. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cross-sectional study of linked vital statistics and patient discharge data was conducted from 2022 to 2023. Live births and stillbirths (≥20 weeks' gestation) at hospitals in California (2004-2018), Michigan (2004-2020), Pennsylvania (2004-2014), and South Carolina (2004-2020) were included. Data were analyzed from December 2022 to May 2023. Exposures Annual birth volume categories (low, medium, medium-high, and high) for hospitals in urban (10-500, 501-1000, 1001-2000, and >2000) and rural (10-110, 111-240, 241-460, and >460) counties. Main Outcome and Measures The main outcome was SMM (excluding blood transfusion); covariates included age, payer status, educational attainment, race and ethnicity, and obstetric comorbidities. Analyses were stratified for low-risk and higher-risk obstetric patients based on presence of at least 1 clinical comorbidity. Results Among more than 11 million urban births and 519 953 rural births, rates of SMM ranged from 0.73% to 0.50% across urban hospital volume categories (high to low) and from 0.47% to 0.70% across rural hospital volume categories (high to low). Risk of SMM was elevated for patients who gave birth at rural hospitals with annual birth volume of 10 to 110 (adjusted risk ratio [ARR], 1.65; 95% CI, 1.14-2.39), 111 to 240 (ARR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.10-1.70), and 241 to 460 (ARR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.05-1.51), compared with rural hospitals with greater than 460 births. Increased risk of SMM occurred for low-risk and higher-risk obstetric patients who delivered at rural hospitals with lower birth volumes, with low-risk rural patients having notable discrepancies in SMM risk between low (ARR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.32-4.07), medium (ARR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.20-2.28), and medium-high (ARR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.29-2.18) volume hospitals compared with high volume (>460 births) rural hospitals. Among hospitals in urban counties, there was no significant association between birth volume and SMM for low-risk or higher-risk obstetric patients. Conclusions and Relevance In this cross-sectional study of births in US rural and urban counties, risk of SMM was elevated for low-risk and higher-risk obstetric patients who gave birth in lower-volume hospitals in rural counties, compared with similar patients who gave birth at rural hospitals with greater than 460 annual births. These findings imply a need for tailored quality improvement strategies for lower volume hospitals in rural communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy Backes Kozhimannil
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis
| | - Stephanie A Leonard
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative, Stanford
| | - Sara C Handley
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Molly Passarella
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Elliott K Main
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative, Stanford
| | - Scott A Lorch
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Ciaran S Phibbs
- Health Economics Resource Center, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System, Menlo Park, California
- Departments of Pediatrics and Health Policy, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
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10
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Salazar EG, Montoya-Williams D, Passarella M, McGann C, Paul K, Murosko D, Peña MM, Ortiz R, Burris HH, Lorch SA, Handley SC. County-Level Maternal Vulnerability and Preterm Birth in the US. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2315306. [PMID: 37227724 PMCID: PMC10214038 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.15306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Appreciation for the effects of neighborhood conditions and community factors on perinatal health is increasing. However, community-level indices specific to maternal health and associations with preterm birth (PTB) have not been assessed. Objective To examine the association of the Maternal Vulnerability Index (MVI), a novel county-level index designed to quantify maternal vulnerability to adverse health outcomes, with PTB. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study used US Vital Statistics data from January 1 to December 31, 2018. Participants included 3 659 099 singleton births at 22 plus 0/7 to 44 plus 6/7 weeks of gestation born in the US. Analyses were conducted from December 1, 2021, through March 31, 2023. Exposure The MVI, a composite measure of 43 area-level indicators, categorized into 6 themes reflecting physical, social, and health care landscapes. Overall MVI and theme were stratified by quintile (very low to very high) by maternal county of residence. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was PTB (gestational age <37 weeks). Secondary outcomes were PTB categories: extreme (gestational age ≤28 weeks), very (gestational age 29-31 weeks), moderate (gestational age 32-33 weeks), and late (gestational age 34-36 weeks). Multivariable logistic regression quantified associations of MVI, overall and by theme, with PTB, overall and by PTB category. Results Among 3 659 099 births, 298 847 (8.2%) were preterm (male, 51.1%; female, 48.9%). Maternal race and ethnicity included 0.8% American Indian or Alaska Native, 6.8% Asian or Pacific Islander, 23.6% Hispanic, 14.5% non-Hispanic Black, 52.1% non-Hispanic White, and 2.2% with more than 1 race. Compared with full-term births, MVI was higher for PTBs across all themes. Very high MVI was associated with increased PTB in unadjusted (odds ratio [OR], 1.50 [95% CI, 1.45-1.56]) and adjusted (OR, 1.07 [95% CI, 1.01-1.13]) analyses. In adjusted analyses of PTB categories, MVI had the largest association with extreme PTB (adjusted OR, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.07-1.29]). Higher MVI in the themes of physical health, mental health and substance abuse, and general health care remained associated with PTB overall in adjusted models. While the physical health and socioeconomic determinant themes were associated with extreme PTB, physical health, mental health and substance abuse, and general health care themes were associated with late PTB. Conclusions and Relevance The findings of this cohort study suggest that MVI was associated with PTB even after adjustment for individual-level confounders. The MVI is a useful measure for county-level PTB risk that may have policy implications for counties working to lower preterm rates and improve perinatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth G. Salazar
- Division of Neonatology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Diana Montoya-Williams
- Division of Neonatology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Molly Passarella
- Division of Neonatology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Carolyn McGann
- Division of Neonatology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Kathryn Paul
- Division of Neonatology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Daria Murosko
- Division of Neonatology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Michelle-Marie Peña
- Division of Neonatology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Robin Ortiz
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute for Excellence in Health Equity, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Department of Population Health, Institute for Excellence in Health Equity, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Heather H. Burris
- Division of Neonatology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Scott A. Lorch
- Division of Neonatology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sara C. Handley
- Division of Neonatology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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11
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Ford ND, DeSisto CL, Galang RR, Kuklina EV, Sperling LS, Ko JY. Cardiac Arrest During Delivery Hospitalization : A Cohort Study. Ann Intern Med 2023; 176:472-479. [PMID: 36913690 PMCID: PMC10264156 DOI: 10.7326/m22-2750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estimates of cardiac arrest occurring during delivery guide evidence-based strategies to reduce pregnancy-related death. OBJECTIVE To investigate rate of, maternal characteristics associated with, and survival after cardiac arrest during delivery hospitalization. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING U.S. acute care hospitals, 2017 to 2019. PARTICIPANTS Delivery hospitalizations among women aged 12 to 55 years included in the National Inpatient Sample database. MEASUREMENTS Delivery hospitalizations, cardiac arrest, underlying medical conditions, obstetric outcomes, and severe maternal complications were identified using codes from the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification. Survival to hospital discharge was based on discharge disposition. RESULTS Among 10 921 784 U.S. delivery hospitalizations, the cardiac arrest rate was 13.4 per 100 000. Of the 1465 patients who had cardiac arrest, 68.6% (95% CI, 63.2% to 74.0%) survived to hospital discharge. Cardiac arrest was more common among patients who were older, were non-Hispanic Black, had Medicare or Medicaid, or had underlying medical conditions. Acute respiratory distress syndrome was the most common co-occurring diagnosis (56.0% [CI, 50.2% to 61.7%]). Among co-occurring procedures or interventions examined, mechanical ventilation was the most common (53.2% [CI, 47.5% to 59.0%]). The rate of survival to hospital discharge after cardiac arrest was lower with co-occurring disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) without or with transfusion (50.0% [CI, 35.8% to 64.2%] or 54.3% [CI, 39.2% to 69.5%], respectively). LIMITATIONS Cardiac arrests occurring outside delivery hospitalizations were not included. The temporality of arrest relative to the delivery or other maternal complications is unknown. Data do not distinguish cause of cardiac arrest, such as pregnancy-related complications or other underlying causes among pregnant women. CONCLUSION Cardiac arrest was observed in approximately 1 in 9000 delivery hospitalizations, among which nearly 7 in 10 women survived to hospital discharge. Survival was lowest during hospitalizations with co-occurring DIC. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole D Ford
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia (N.D.F., C.L.D., R.R.G.)
| | - Carla L DeSisto
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia (N.D.F., C.L.D., R.R.G.)
| | - Romeo R Galang
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia (N.D.F., C.L.D., R.R.G.)
| | - Elena V Kuklina
- Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia (E.V.K., L.S.S.)
| | - Laurence S Sperling
- Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia (E.V.K., L.S.S.)
| | - Jean Y Ko
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and U.S. Public Health Service, Commissioned Corps, Rockville, Maryland (J.Y.K.)
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12
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State Perinatal Quality Collaborative for Reducing Severe Maternal Morbidity From Hemorrhage: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis. Obstet Gynecol 2023; 141:387-394. [PMID: 36649352 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000005060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost effectiveness of California's statewide perinatal quality collaborative for reducing severe maternal morbidity (SMM) from hemorrhage. METHODS A decision-analytic model using open source software (Amua 0.30) compared outcomes and costs within a simulated cohort of 480,000 births to assess the annual effect in the state of California. Our model captures both the short-term costs and outcomes that surround labor and delivery and long-term effects over a person's remaining lifetime. Previous studies that evaluated the effectiveness of the CMQCC's (California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative) statewide perinatal quality collaborative initiative-reduction of hemorrhage-related SMM by increasing recognition, measurement, and timely response to postpartum hemorrhage-provided estimates of intervention effectiveness. Primary cost data received from select hospitals within the study allowed for the estimation of collaborative costs, with all other model inputs derived from literature. Costs were inflated to 2021 dollars with a cost-effectiveness threshold of $100,000 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained. Various sensitivity analyses were performed including one-way, scenario-based, and probabilistic sensitivity (Monte Carlo) analysis. RESULTS The collaborative was cost effective, exhibiting strong dominance when compared with the baseline or standard of care. In a theoretical cohort of 480,000 births, collaborative implementation added 182 QALYs (0.000379/birth) by averting 913 cases of SMM, 28 emergency hysterectomies, and one maternal mortality. Additionally, it saved $9 million ($17.78/birth) due to averted SMM costs. Although sensitivity analyses across parameter uncertainty ranges provided cases where the intervention was not cost saving, it remained cost effective throughout all analyses. Additionally, scenario-based sensitivity analysis found the intervention cost effective regardless of birth volume and implementation costs. CONCLUSION California's statewide perinatal quality collaborative initiative to reduce SMM from hemorrhage was cost effective-representing an inexpensive quality-improvement initiative that reduces the incidence of maternal morbidity and mortality, and potentially provides cost savings to the majority of birthing hospitals.
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13
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Loch SF, Muhar A, Bouskill K, Stein BD, Shi Q, Bonnet K, Schlundt D, Sieger ML, Parker E, Orgel C, Patrick SW. "The Problem's Bigger than We Are": Understanding How Local Factors Influence Child Welfare Responses to Substance Use in Pregnancy, A Qualitative Study. CHILD WELFARE 2023; 101:193-224. [PMID: 38784918 PMCID: PMC11113001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
State eligibility for certain federal child welfare funding requires a gubernatorial assurance that infants affected by substances receive plans of safe care (POSC). We conducted 18 interviews with state and county child welfare staff to understand how POSC has been implemented and found variability in practice driven by vague policy, challenges of cross-system collaboration, and a lack of knowledge about substance use disorder. Policy improvements should align requirements with POSC practice and create shared accountability with key partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah F Loch
- Vanderbilt Center for Child Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Stephen W Patrick
- Vanderbilt Center for Child Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- RAND Corporation
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14
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Abstract
Rural communities are a vital segment of the US population; however, these communities are shrinking, and their population is aging. Rural women experience health disparities including increased risk of maternal morbidity and mortality. In this article, we will explore these trends and their determinants both within and external to the health care system. Health care providers, public health professionals, and policymakers should be aware of these social and structural factors that influence health outcomes and take action to reduce generational cycles of health disparity. Opportunities to improve the health and pregnancy outcomes for rural women and rural populations are highlighted.
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15
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Perinatal outcomes for rural obstetric patients and neonates in rural-located and metropolitan-located hospitals. J Perinatol 2022; 42:1600-1606. [PMID: 35963889 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-022-01490-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare rural obstetric patient and neonate characteristics and outcomes by birth location. METHODS Retrospective observational cohort study of rural residents' hospital births from California, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina. Hospitals in rural counties were rural-located, those in metropolitan counties with ≥10% of obstetric patients from rural communities were rural-serving, metropolitan-located, others were non-rural-serving, metropolitan-located. Any adverse obstetric patient or neonatal outcomes were assessed with logistic regression accounting for patient characteristics, state, year, and hospital. RESULTS Of 466,896 rural patient births, 64.3% occurred in rural-located, 22.5% in rural-serving, metropolitan-located, and 13.1% in non-rural-serving, metropolitan-located hospitals. The odds of any adverse outcome increased in rural-serving (aOR 1.27, 95% CI 1.10-1.46) and non-rural-serving (aOR 1.35, 95% CI 1.18-1.55) metropolitan-located hospitals. CONCLUSION One-third of rural obstetric patients received care in metropolitan-located hospitals. These patients have higher comorbidity rates and higher odds of adverse outcomes likely reflecting referral for higher baseline illness severity.
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16
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Fang J, Silva RM, Tancredi DJ, Pinkerton KE, Sankaran D. Examining associations in congenital syphilis infection and socioeconomic factors between California's small-to-medium and large metro counties. J Perinatol 2022; 42:1434-1439. [PMID: 35739308 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-022-01445-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate differences in congenital syphilis (CS) infection between California's small-to-medium and large metropolitan counties and the socioeconomic mechanisms behind these differences. STUDY DESIGN County-level data from 2019 and 2020 on CS infection and other socioeconomic covariates were obtained from the California Department of Public Health and the United States Census Bureau. Counties were stratified into small-to-medium or large metropolitan counties by the National Center for Health Statistics Urban-Rural Classification Scheme and analyzed using simple and multiple Poisson regression models. RESULTS California's small-to-medium metropolitan counties reported significantly higher rates of CS incidence, female poverty, and uninsured females, and significantly lower rates of English-language speaking ability and female education level compared to large metropolitan counties. CS infection was significantly associated with female poverty and education level. CONCLUSION Rates of CS infection in the California counties are more dependent on socioeconomic indicators than county classification itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliet Fang
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Rona M Silva
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Daniel J Tancredi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Kent E Pinkerton
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA.,Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Deepika Sankaran
- Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
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17
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Steenland MW, Vatsa R, Pace LE, Cohen JL. Immediate Postpartum Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive Use Following State-Specific Changes in Hospital Medicaid Reimbursement. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2237918. [PMID: 36269353 PMCID: PMC9587474 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.37918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Importance Facilitating access to the full range of contraceptive options is a health policy goal; however, inpatient provision of postpartum long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods has been limited due to lack of hospital reimbursement. Between March 2014 and January 2015, the Medicaid programs in 5 states began to reimburse hospitals for immediate postpartum LARC separately from the global maternity payment. Objective To examine the association between Medicaid policies and provision of immediate postpartum LARC, and to examine hospital characteristics associated with policy adoption. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study used interrupted time series analysis. The setting was population-based in Georgia, Iowa, Maryland, New York, and Rhode Island. Participants included individuals who gave birth in these states between 2011 and 2017 (n = 3 097 188). Statistical analysis was performed from June 2021 to August 2022. Exposures Childbirth after the start of Medicaid's reimbursement policy. Main Outcomes and Measures Immediate postpartum LARC (outcome), teaching hospital, Catholic-owned or operated, obstetrical care level, and urban or rural location (hospital characteristics). Results The study included a total of 1 521 491 births paid for by Medicaid and 1 575 697 paid for by a commercial payer between 2011 and 2017. Prior to Medicaid reimbursement changes, 489 389 of 726 805 births (67%) were to individuals between 18 and 29 years of age, 219 363 of 715 905 births (31%) were to non-Hispanic Black individuals, 227 639 of 715 905 births (32%) were to non-Hispanic White individuals, 155 298 of 715 905 births (22%) were to Hispanic individuals, and 113 605 of 715 905 births (16%) were to individuals from other non-Hispanic racial groups. Among Medicaid-paid births, the policies were associated with an increase in the rate of immediate postpartum LARC provision in all states, although results for Maryland were not consistent across sensitivity analyses. The change in trend ranged from a quarterly increase of 0.05 percentage points in Maryland (95% CI, 0.01-0.08 percentage points) and 0.05 percentage points in Iowa (95% CI, 0.00-0.11 percentage points) to 0.82 percentage points (95% CI, 0.73-0.91 percentage points) in Rhode Island. The policy was also associated with an increase in immediate postpartum LARC provision among commercially paid births in 4 of 5 states. After the policy, only 38 of 366 hospitals (10%) provided more than 1% of birthing people with immediate postpartum LARC. These adopting hospitals were less likely to be Catholic (0% [0 of 31] vs 17% [41 of 245]), less likely to be rural (10% [3 of 31] vs 33% [81 of 247]), more likely to have the highest level of obstetric care (71% [22 of 31] vs 29% [65 of 223]) and be teaching hospitals (87% [27 of 31] vs 43% [106 of 246]) compared with nonadopting hospitals. Conclusions and Relevance This cross-sectional study's findings suggest that Medicaid policies that reimburse immediate postpartum LARC may increase access to this service; however, policy implementation has been uneven, resulting in unequal access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria W Steenland
- Population Studies and Training Center, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Raj Vatsa
- Interfaculty Initiative in Health Policy, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Lydia E Pace
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jessica L Cohen
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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18
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DeSisto CL, Goodman DA, Brantley MD, Menard MK, Declercq E. Examining the Ratio of Obstetric Beds to Births, 2000-2019. J Community Health 2022; 47:828-834. [PMID: 35771384 PMCID: PMC11036083 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-022-01116-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The number of U.S. births has been declining. There is also concern about rural obstetric units closing. To better understand the relationship between births and obstetric beds during 2000-2019, we examined changes over time in births, birth hospital distributions (i.e., hospital birth volume, ownership, and urban-rural designation), and the ratio of births to obstetric beds. We analyzed American Hospital Association Annual Survey data from 2000 to 2019. We included U.S. hospitals with at least 25 reported births during the year and at least 1 reported obstetric bed. We categorized birth volume to identify and describe hospitals with maternity services using seven categories. We calculated ratios of number of births to number of obstetric beds overall, by annual birth volume category, by three categories of hospital ownership, and by six urban-rural categories. The ratio of births to obstetric beds, which may represent need for maternity services, has stayed relatively consistent at 65 over the past two decades, despite the decline in births and changes in birth hospital distributions. The ratios were smallest in hospitals with < 250 annual births and largest in hospitals with ≥ 7000 annual births. The largest ratios of births to obstetric beds were in large metro areas and the smallest ratios were in noncore areas. At a societal level, the reduction in obstetric beds corresponds with the drop in the U.S. birth rate. However, consistency in the overall ratio can mask important differences that we could not discern, such as the impact of closures on distances to closest maternity care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla L DeSisto
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Mailstop S107-2, Chamblee, GA, 30341, USA.
| | - David A Goodman
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Mailstop S107-2, Chamblee, GA, 30341, USA
| | - Mary D Brantley
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Mailstop S107-2, Chamblee, GA, 30341, USA
| | - M Kathryn Menard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, 321 S Columbia St, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Eugene Declercq
- Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany St, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
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19
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Carroll C, Planey A, Kozhimannil KB. Reimagining and reinvesting in rural hospital markets. Health Serv Res 2022; 57:1001-1005. [PMID: 35947345 PMCID: PMC9441272 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Carroll
- Division of Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of Minnesota School of Public HealthMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Arrianna Planey
- Department of Health Policy and ManagementUNC Gillings School of Global Public HealthChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Katy B. Kozhimannil
- Division of Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of Minnesota School of Public HealthMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
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20
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Regionalization of neonatal care: benefits, barriers, and beyond. J Perinatol 2022; 42:835-838. [PMID: 35461330 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-022-01404-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The goal of regionalization of neonatal care is to improve infant outcomes by directing patients to hospitals where risk-appropriate care is available. Although evidence shows that regionalized, risk-appropriate neonatal care decreases mortality, especially for high-risk infants, the approach and success of regionalization efforts in the U.S. and around the world is highly variable. Barriers to regionalization exist on the patient, provider, hospital, state, and national levels, which highlight potential opportunities to improve regionalization efforts. Improving neonatal regionalized care delivery requires a collaborative approach inclusive of all stakeholders from patients to national professional organizations, expansion and adaptation of current policies, changes to financial incentives, cross-state collaboration, support of national policies, and partnership between neonatal and obstetric communities to promote comprehensive, regionalized perinatal care.
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21
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Chen N, Pan J. The causal effect of delivery volume on severe maternal morbidity: an instrumental variable analysis in Sichuan, China. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2022-008428. [PMID: 35537760 PMCID: PMC9092146 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-008428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Findings regarding the association between delivery volume and maternal health outcomes are mixed, most of which explored their correlation. This study aims to demonstrate the causal effect of delivery volume on severe maternal morbidity (SMM) in China. Methods We analysed all women giving birth in the densely populated Sichuan province with 83 million residents in China, during the fourth quarters of each of 4 years (from 2016 to 2019). The routinely collected discharge data, the health institutional annual report data and road network data were used for analysis. The maternal health outcome was measured by SMM. Instrumental variable (IV) methods were applied for estimation, while the surrounding average number of delivery cases per institution was used as the instrument. Results The study included 4545 institution-years of data from 1456 distinct institutions with delivery services, reflecting 810 049 associated delivery cases. The average SMM rate was approximately 33.08 per 1000 deliveries during 2016 and 2019. More than 86% of delivery services were provided by a third of the institutions with the highest delivery volume (≥143 delivery cases quarterly). In contrast, less than 2% of delivery services were offered by a third of the institutions with the lowest delivery volume (<19 delivery cases quarterly). After adjusting the confounders in the IV-logistic models, the average marginal effect of per 1000 cases in delivery volume was −0.162 (95% CI −0.169 to –0.155), while the adjusted OR of delivery volume was 0.005 (95% CI 0.004 to 0.006). Conclusion Increased delivery volume has great potential to improve maternal health outcomes, while the centralisation of delivery services might facilitate maternal health promotion in China. Our study also provides implications for other developing countries confronted with similar challenges to China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Chen
- HEOA Group, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.,Institute for Healthy Cities and West China Research Center for Rural Health Development, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jay Pan
- HEOA Group, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China .,Institute for Healthy Cities and West China Research Center for Rural Health Development, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
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