Regionalization of perinatal care in Europe.
This review describes European health policies related to the place of birth of very preterm babies, and the organizational context in which these policies were enacted using data from two European studies. It also compiles available information on the place of birth of very preterm babies from the published literature. In Europe, there is significant diversity in approaches to the provision of intensive care services for the small proportion of pregnant women and babies that need it, both in terms of health policies and the supply and characteristics of maternity and neonatal units. These diverse models in countries with similar levels of development and medical technology could offer an opportunity to understand how different organizational characteristics affect access to care, health outcomes and resource use.
Zeitlin
Jennifer
J
INSERM U149, Epidemiological Research Unit on Perinatal and Women's Health, 123 boulevard Port-Royal, Paris, France. Zeitlin@cochin.inserm.fr
Papiernik
Emile
E
Bréart
Gérard
G
D005060:Europe; D005260:Female; D006291:Health Policy; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015931:Intensive Care, Neonatal / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010360:Patient Transfer; D018743:Perinatal Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012041:Regional Medical Programs / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012955:Societies, Medical