Optimal Outcome Factors In Maternity And Newborn Care For Inpatient (Hospital Maternity Ward-HMW) And Outpatient Deliveries (Outhospital Maternity Clinics -OMC)

Abstract

Background and objectives: The aim of this study was to use the Optimality Index (OI-US) to initiate the possibility of developing an adequate national-level database for women with low- and medium-risk pregnancies but also to assess the feasibility and possible application in inpatient and outpatient delivery settings. Numerous worldwide associations support the option of women giving birth at maternity outpatient clinics or even at home. The assessments of requirements that need to be met and what could be characterized as the birth potential constitute the basis for making the right decision regarding childbirth. Materials and Methods: The study is based on a prospective follow-up of pregnant women and new mothers (100 participants) who were monitored and gave birth at the hospital maternity ward (HMW) and pregnant women and new mothers (100 participants) who were monitored and gave birth at the outhospital maternity clinics (OMC). Selected patients were classified according to the criteria of low- and medium-risk and each of the parameters of the OI and the total OI were compared. Results: The results of this study confirm the benefits of intrapartum and neonatal outcome, when delivery was carried out in an outpatient setting. The median OI of intrapartum components was significantly higher in the outpatient setting compared to the hospital maternity ward (97 range from 24 to 100 vs 91 range from 3 to 100). The median OI of neonatal components was significantly higher in the outpatient compared to the inpatient delivery. (99 range from 97 to 100 vs 96 range from 74 to 100). Certain components from the intrapartum and neonatal period highly contribute to the significantly better total OI in the outpatient conditions in relation to hospital conditions. Conclusion: Outpatient care and delivery provide multiple benefits for both the mother and the newborn.