Open AccessSatisfying parents’ preferences with regard to various models of postnatal care is cost‐minimizing
Author(s) -
ELLBERG LOTTA,
HÖGBERG ULF,
LUNDMAN BERIT,
LINDHOLM LARS
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.1080/00016340500486784
Subject(s) - postnatal care , medicine , maternity care , total cost , cost–benefit analysis , nursing , health care , pregnancy , ecology , genetics , economics , biology , microeconomics , economic growth
Background . This study describes three options for postnatal care in Sweden and contains a cost analysis of the options in various combinations. The aim of the study was to calculate the cost of a postnatal care model according to new parents’ preferences. Methods . Staff costs were calculated for various models of postnatal care, comprising the maternity ward, the family suite, and/or the early discharge program. One of the models was based on answers from 342 parents who specified their preferences with regard to postnatal care in the event of another birth. Results . Comparing costs for five different models of postnatal care showed that the proportion of mothers receiving care at the maternity ward crucially influences the total costs. The staff costs differed significantly between the models, ranging from US$448 000 to US$778 000 per 1500 mother‐child dyads. Main outcome measures Cost calculation of various care models and parents’ preferences for postnatal care. Conclusions . Because the parents’ preferences with regard to postnatal care created one of the most cost‐minimizing care models in the study, it would be possible to better meet parent's desires and, at the same time, reduce costs, without increasing risks in comparison with the early discharge program.