The relationship of health care delivery system characteristics and legal factors to mode of delivery in women with prior cesarean section: A systematic review

Dale F. Kraemer, Michelle Berlin, Jeanne Marie Guise

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the relationship of health care delivery system characteristics and legal factors to mode of delivery in women with prior cesarean section. Methods We identified relevant studies by searching MEDLINE and HealthSTAR (1980 to May 2002), reference lists of pertinent articles, and recommendations of local and national experts. We also searched the online Cochrane systematic reviews and controlled trials registries, Database of Abstracts and Reviews on Effectiveness, and EMBASE databases. Results Studies of guidelines suggested that opinion leaders influence provider behavior regarding repeat cesarean delivery versus trial of labor decisions. Studies of hospital and insurance characteristics provided inconsistent results. There was insufficient evidence to evaluate the relationship between provider characteristics and delivery outcomes. Legislation and liability-related factors effected limited change. Conclusion Studies of health care system characteristics and other factors focused primarily on rates of delivery modes (vaginal birth after cesarean or repeat cesarean delivery) rather than patient safety or health outcomes. Future studies must account for case mix, time trends, and other potential confounders, especially concerning associations of provider characteristics.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)94-103
Number of pages10
JournalWomen's Health Issues
Volume14
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2004

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Maternity and Midwifery

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