Lowering the cesarean rate at a small USAF hospital.
From July 1, 1988 to June 30, 1989, programs were initiated at the 93d Strategic Hospital at Castle AFB, California, to lower the cesarean (C/S) rate. Programs included vaginal birth after cesarean, external cephalic version, adequate labor documentation, and peer review of all C/S for fetal distress. One year prior (N = 467) was compared to the year after the start of these programs (N = 430). A significant decrease of 21.2% to 10.2% (p < 0.0001) was documented. We conclude that aggressive management of obstetrical patients can reduce the rate of C/S in a small USAF hospital without increasing maternal or neonatal risk.
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93d Strategic Hospital/SGHSO, Castle AFB, CA 95342-5300.
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Melendez
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Leyro
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D002140:California; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006772:Hospitals, Military / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007751:Labor, Induced; D008889:Military Personnel; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011247:Pregnancy; D014219:Trial of Labor
D010121:Oxytocin