Perinatal Mortality Rates as an Aid in Assessing Maternity Care

Abstract

A preliminary evaluation was undertaken of perinatal death rates (a combination of infant and fetal mortality) as an index of obstetric care in the hospitals of New York City. The perinatal mortality rate of a hospital has limitations when used alone[long dash]without its components. Nevertheless, it is the most valuable single figure for the health and hospital administrator. The size or auspices of hospitals do not appear to have any influence on perinatal death rates. On the other hand, the population composition of the hospital is a significant factor. Such characteristics as race, extent of prenatal care and age and parity of mothers exert a potentially measurable influence on the perinatal mortality rate. Other characteristics such as socioeconomic status are not readily measurable, but nevertheless are also of significance. Race, for instance, is largely influential in affecting rates as it reflects socioeconomic status. Investigation is needed to determine the extent to which hospital perinatal mortality rates represent indexes of obstetric care after adjustment for currently measurable factors was made. Even without such adjustment, perinatal mortality rates for individual hospitals serve the public health administrator to focus attention on areas in need of assistance.