A Model-Based Cost-Minimization Analysis as a Decision Tool in Obstetric Care in Helgeland, Northern Norway

BACKGROUND: Quality of care is of utmost importance in maternity care. Today, we base the choice of institution on risk factors. Recently, a Norwegian national plan introduced new guidelines concerning quality and staffing. Consequently, the hospital trusts had to increase the number of obstetricians and midwives and handle raised costs. One way to meet such challenges is to reduce the number of delivery units.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to clarify the costs and benefits of two alternative strategies in obstetric care in Helgeland hospital trust using a model-based cost-minimization analysis (CMA).

METHODS: The consequences, in terms of cost/savings and mothers´ time of travelling, by closing two midwife-administered maternity units (MAMUs) and keeping the two departments of obstetrics (DOGs) running was analyzed. We implemented data from the Helgeland hospital trust and the Medical Birth Registry of Norway (MBRN) and the selected period was 2010-2012. The comparator was today’s organization. Costs were converted into Euros at the rate of € 1 = NOK 9.527.

RESULTS: The model concluded the closing of two MAMUs created an annual net saving of € 584,346. The mothers´ mean time of travelling increased by 11 minutes and by 91 minutes for those directly affected by the closure. The organizational changes were concluded safe and of low risk with regard to quality of care. A sensitivity analysis revealed the number of midwives dismissed being the most important variable.

CONCLUSION: A model-based CMA may be a supportive tool when evaluating maternity care.