An exploratory cost-effectiveness analysis: Comparison between a midwife-led birth unit and a standard obstetric unit within the same hospital in Belgium

Abstract

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to compare midwife-led and consultant-led obstetrical care for women with uncomplicated low-risk pregnancies. We estimated costs and maternal outcomes in both units to achieve a cost-effectiveness ratio. DesignThe cost-analysis was made according to the “intention to treat” concept in order to minimize bias associated with the non-randomization of participants. At the obstetric-led unit, women received care from both midwives and medical staff while those in the alternative structure called ‘Le Cocon’ only received care from midwives. SettingThe obstetric-led unit of the Erasme University-Hospital in Brussels and its alongside midwife-led unit. ParticipantsThe study population included all low-risk pregnant women from 1 March 2014 until 31 October 2015 who were affiliated to the MLOZ (Mutualités Libres-Onafhankelijke Ziekenfondsen; third Belgian statutory health care insurer). InterventionsThe cost calculation involved a bottom-up approach. The health care consumption of each participant was obtained from MLOZ's data. The study included costs occurred the beginning of pregnancy until 3 months post-partum. Clinical data were extracted from the patient medical records. FindingsCompared to the traditional obstetric-led unit, the alternative midwife-led unit was associated with a cost reduction for the national payer (∆ = −€397.39, p = 0.046) and for the patient (∆ = − €44.19, p = 0.016). There were no significant differences in rates of caesarean, instrumental birth and epidural analgesia between MLU and OLU. A sensitivity analysis was performed (Appendix C) but does not change the overall results and conclusions. Key conclusionsDue to the small size of the samples, no statistical differences were found. More analysis is needed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness regarding the use of epidural analgesia, caesarean and instrumental birth rates in the midwife-led unit. Implications for practiceGiven the economical findings, this could contribute to reduce health expenditures for both women (out of pocket) and state (public payer via health care insurers).