Rate of early elective births declining.

Pressure on doctors and hospitals from the federal government, private and public insurers and patient advocacy groups, the rate of elective deliveries before 39 weeks is dropping significantly, according to latest hospital survey from The Leapfrog Group.” The survey of “nearly 800″ US hospitals revealed that the “national average of elective early deliveries fell to about 11 percent last year from 14 percent in 2011 and 18 percent in 2010.” In a statement summarizing the new data, Leapfrog CEO Leah Binder “said she’s encouraged by the latest figures, but says rates are still too high at many hospitals – with some as high as 40 percent.” She said the average should be about 5 percent.  Comment: if we can further reduce the number of cesarean sections neonatal outcome should be significantly improved

Source: Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG - February 22, 2013 Category: Epidemiologists Authors: cbuttery Tags: Community Health MCH policy Prevention Surveillance Source Type: blogs