An exploratory cost-effectiveness analysis: Comparison between a midwife-led birth unit and a standard obstetric unit within the same hospital in Belgium.

CONCLUSIONS: Due to the small size of the samples, no statistical differences were found. More analysis is needed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness regarding the use of epidural analgesia, caesarean and instrumental birth rates in the midwife-led unit. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Given the economical findings, this could contribute to reduce health expenditures for both women (out of pocket) and state (public payer via health care insurers). PMID: 31100483 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Midwifery - Category: Midwifery Authors: Tags: Midwifery Source Type: research