The quality of perinatal care in small rural hospitals

H. A. Hein

Iowa birth and mortality statistics were reviewed to ascertain the outcome of perinatal care provided in hospitals with different-sized obstetric services. Although the data do not resolve the issue of the minimum number of deliveries necessary to ensure quality perinatal services, they do suggest that hospitals with small maternity services (fewer than 500 deliveries per year) can achieve acceptable perinatal outcomes when appropriate high-risk screening and prenatal referral occur.