The regional obstetrician--an alternative model.
The concept of the 'regional obstetrician' is defined as an alternative role model for an obstetrician and gynaecologist working in an obstetric base hospital in a small town or rural area. The results of the implementation of this role model in the area served by Eshowe Hospital in Zululand are described. Overall perinatal mortality for all the institutions in the region dropped from 49.9/1,000 to 34.9/1,000 over a period of 3 years. A plea is made for the identification of all rural hospitals which function as base hospitals, and for the co-operation of the health authorities in each region served by such hospitals in the appointment of regional obstetricians to co-ordinate and develop the obstetric services in these regions.
Larsen
J V
JV
D005260:Female; D006780:Hospitals, Rural; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009774:Obstetrics; D011247:Pregnancy; D011364:Professional Practice; D012423:Rural Health; D013019:South Africa