Fox, Haylee, Callander, Emily, Lindsay, Daniel, and Topp, Stephanie M. (2021) Is there unwarranted variation in obstetric practice in Australia? Obstetric intervention trends in Queensland hospitals. Australian Health Review, 45. pp. 157-166.

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Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to report on the rates of obstetric interventions within each hospital jurisdiction in the state of Queensland, Australia.

Methods: This project used a whole-of-population linked dataset that included the health and cost data of all mothers who gave birth in Queensland, Australia, between 2012 and 2015 (n = 186 789), plus their babies (n = 189 909). Adjusted and unadjusted rates of obstetric interventions and non-instrumental vaginal delivery were reported within each hospital jurisdiction in Queensland.

Results: High rates of obstetric intervention exist in both the private and public sectors, with higher rates demonstrated in the private than public sector. Within the public sector, there is substantial variation in rates of intervention between hospital and health service jurisdictions after adjusting for confounding variables that influence the need for obstetric intervention.

Conclusions: Due to the high rates of obstetric interventions statewide, a deeper understanding is needed of what factors may be driving these high rates at the health service level, with a focus on the clinical necessity of the provision of Caesarean sections.

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