Abstract
Potential Effects of Obstetric Unit Closures on Delivery Volume and Distance to Care [ID 3474]
Obstetrics and gynecology (New York. 1953), Vol.147(5S), pp.39-39S
05/2026
DOI: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000006267.22
Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
There are known risks associated with childbirth in obstetric units with low delivery volume. However, there are concerns that the consolidation of patient volume through the closure of rural obstetric units may reduce already limited access to care.
METHODS:
We use a mathematical optimization model to determine strategic obstetric facility closures that would ensure all open obstetric units have at least 500 deliveries per year, while minimizing the overall travel distance to obstetric care. The model assumes all patients seek care at their closest obstetric care facility and uses data from the U.S. Census Bureau for two states: Iowa and Georgia.
RESULTS:
In the model, Georgia currently has 15 low-volume (less than 500 annual births) rural hospitals. After 10 strategic closures, all obstetric units are projected to have at least 500 annual births. Among those who would have to travel farther due to the closures, the average travel distance would increase by 10.6 miles (from 8.7 to 19.3 miles). Iowa has 34 low-volume rural hospitals. After 25 closures, all obstetric units are projected to have at least 500 annual births. The average travel distance would increase by 14.5 miles (from 11.5 to 26.0 miles) among those who would have to travel farther.
CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS:
This conceptual model demonstrates the trade-offs between the consolidation of delivery volume and geographic access to care. This work illustrates that coordinated, thoughtful closures of low-volume obstetric units that are not isolated may result in advantageous consolidation of delivery volume with small effects on travel distance to care.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Potential Effects of Obstetric Unit Closures on Delivery Volume and Distance to Care [ID 3474]
- Creators
- Meghan Meredith - Adventist Hinsdale HospitalLauren SteimleMargaret CarrelStephanie Radke
- Resource Type
- Abstract
- Publication Details
- Obstetrics and gynecology (New York. 1953), Vol.147(5S), pp.39-39S
- DOI
- 10.1097/AOG.0000000000006267.22
- ISSN
- 0029-7844
- eISSN
- 1873-233X
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 05/2026
- Academic Unit
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Record Identifier
- 9985161447102771
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