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Callander EJ, Tarnow-Mordi W, Morton R, Mol BW, Kumar S. Intrapartum use of sildenafil citrate to prevent fetal compromise and emergency operative birth in term pregnancies in the United Kingdom and Australia: A preliminary cost-effectiveness analysis. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2024; 164:1010-1018. [PMID: 37723993 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare cost-effectiveness of oral sildenafil citrate, administered after onset of labor, with standard care to health system funders in the UK and Australia. METHODS We conducted a modeled cost-effectiveness analysis, measuring costs and quality adjusted life years (QALYs), using a decision-analytic model covering onset of labor to 1 month post-birth. The relative risk of emergency cesarean section and operative vaginal birth was taken from a Phase 2 placebo controlled double blinded randomized control trial. RESULTS Both options of care resulted in the same QALYs gained over the model time period (0.08). Sildenafil citrate was cost-saving compared with standard care, saving £92 per birth in the UK (AU$303 per birth in Australia). Sensitivity analyses did not identify any areas of uncertainty that stopped sildenafil citrate being cost saving compared with standard care. Threshold analysis revealed that sildenafil citrate would be cost saving up to a per birth drug or administration cost of £152.32 in the UK (AU$333.61 in Australia). CONCLUSION Oral sildenafil citrate may be cost saving compared with standard care; however, the effects on neonatal outcomes still need to be demonstrated in large randomized trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Callander
- School of Public Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - William Tarnow-Mordi
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rachael Morton
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ben W Mol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sailesh Kumar
- Mater Research Institute and Mayne Academy, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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2
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Watkins V, Nagle C, Yates K, McAuliffe M, Brown L, Byrne M, Waters A. The role and scope of contemporary midwifery practice in Australia: A scoping review of the literature. Women Birth 2023:S1871-5192(22)00361-4. [PMID: 36631386 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
PROBLEM Little is known about the breadth of midwifery scope within Australia, and few midwives work to their full scope of practice. BACKGROUND Midwives in Australia are educated and professionally accountable to work in partnership with childbearing women and their families, yet they are currently hindered from practicing within their full scope of practice by contextual influences. AIMS To perform a scoping review of the literature to map out the role and scope of contemporary midwifery practice in Australia To identify any key issues that impact upon working within the full scope of midwifery practice in the Australian context METHODS: A scoping review of the literature guided by the Arksey and O'Malley's five-stage methodological framework, and the 'best fit' framework synthesis using the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia's Midwifery Standards for Practice. FINDINGS Key themes that emerged from the review included Partnership with women; The professional role of the midwife; and Contextual influences upon midwifery practice.Discussion Tensions were identified between the midwifery scope of practice associated with optimal outcomes for women and babies supported by current evidence and the actual role and scope of most midwives employed in models of care in the current Australian public healthcare system. CONCLUSIONS There is a mismatch between the operational parameters for midwifery practice in Australia and the evidence-based models of continuity of midwifery carer that are associated with optimal outcomes for childbearing women and babies and the midwives themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Watkins
- Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Research, James Cook University, Queensland 4814, Australia
| | - Cate Nagle
- Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Research, James Cook University, Queensland 4814, Australia; Townsville Institute of Health Research and Innovation, Townsville Hospital and Health Service, 100 Angus Smith Drive, Douglas, Queensland 4814, Australia.
| | - Karen Yates
- Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Research, James Cook University, Queensland 4814, Australia
| | - Marie McAuliffe
- Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Research, James Cook University, Queensland 4814, Australia
| | - Lesley Brown
- Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Research, James Cook University, Queensland 4814, Australia
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Callander EJ, Teede H, Enticott J. Value in maternal care: Using the Learning Health System to facilitate action. Birth 2022; 49:589-594. [PMID: 36265164 PMCID: PMC9828125 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
There is an increasing need to deliver high-value health care. Here, we discuss how value should be measured and implemented in maternity care through a Learning Health System. High-value maternity care will produce the highest level of benefit for women at a given cost. As pregnancy is not an illness state, and there is no cure or remission to be achieved, we believe that patient-reported outcomes should be an integral component of benefit quantification when measuring value. Furthermore, as care impacts more than just health outcomes-particularly in maternity care-there is also a need to consider patient-reported experiences as a part of defining the level of benefit. However, to move beyond traditional narrow and passive measurement of value, we need to partner with stakeholders to identify priorities for change, identify evidence for how to achieve this change, integrate measurement activities, and promote effective implementation, in a continuous, learning cycle-a Learning Health System. A robust Framework for implementing a Learning Health System has been developed, which could be applied in maternity care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J. Callander
- School of Public Health and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia,Monash Centre for Health Research and ImplementationMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Helena Teede
- Monash Centre for Health Research and ImplementationMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Joanne Enticott
- Monash Centre for Health Research and ImplementationMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
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Moore L, Guertin JR, Tardif PA, Ivers NM, Hoch J, Conombo B, Antony J, Stelfox HT, Berthelot S, Archambault P, Turgeon A, Gandhi R, Grimshaw JM. Economic evaluations of audit and feedback interventions: a systematic review. BMJ Qual Saf 2022; 31:754-767. [PMID: 35750494 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2022-014727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effectiveness of audit and feedback (A&F) interventions to improve compliance to healthcare guidelines is supported by randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses of RCTs. However, there is currently a knowledge gap on their cost-effectiveness. OBJECTIVE We aimed to assess whether A&F interventions targeting improvements in compliance to recommended care are economically favourable. METHODS We conducted a systematic review including experimental, observational and simulation-based economic evaluation studies of A&F interventions targeting healthcare providers. Comparators were a 'do nothing' strategy, or any other intervention not involving A&F or involving a subset of A&F intervention components. We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, Econlit, EMBASE, Health Technology Assessment Database, MEDLINE, NHS Economic Evaluation Database, ABI/INFORM, Web of Science, ProQuest and websites of healthcare quality associations to December 2021. Outcomes were incremental cost-effectiveness ratios, incremental cost-utility ratios, incremental net benefit and incremental cost-benefit ratios. Pairs of reviewers independently selected eligible studies and extracted relevant data. Reporting quality was evaluated using CHEERS (Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards). Results were synthesised using permutation matrices for all studies and predefined subgroups. RESULTS Of 13 221 unique citations, 35 studies met our inclusion criteria. The A&F intervention was dominant (ie, at least as effective with lower cost) in 7 studies, potentially cost-effective in 26 and was dominated (ie, the same or less effectiveness and higher costs) in 2 studies. A&F interventions were more likely to be economically favourable in studies based on health outcomes rather than compliance to recommended practice, considering medical costs in addition to intervention costs, published since 2010, and with high reporting quality. DISCUSSION Results suggest that A&F interventions may have a high potential to be cost-effective. However, as is common in systematic reviews of economic evaluations, publication bias could have led to an overestimation of their economic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynne Moore
- Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit, Trauma - Emergency - Critical Care Medicine, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jason Robert Guertin
- Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit, Trauma - Emergency - Critical Care Medicine, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Pier-Alexandre Tardif
- Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit, Trauma - Emergency - Critical Care Medicine, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Noah Michael Ivers
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Hoch
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Blanchard Conombo
- Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit, Trauma - Emergency - Critical Care Medicine, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jesmin Antony
- Women's College Hospital Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Simon Berthelot
- Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit, Trauma - Emergency - Critical Care Medicine, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Patrick Archambault
- Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit, Trauma - Emergency - Critical Care Medicine, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alexis Turgeon
- Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit, Trauma - Emergency - Critical Care Medicine, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Rohit Gandhi
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - J M Grimshaw
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Ananthram H, Rane A. Head in the sand: Contemporary Australian attitudes towards induction of labour. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2022; 62:483-486. [PMID: 35289394 PMCID: PMC9544769 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Ambivalence in Australian thought on induction of labour, despite recent evidence, stands out in contrast to ever-increasing rates of this intervention. As consent obligations on information provision have crystallised in maternity care, this article examines whether consumer-led expectations and legal obligations may precipitate change to end the cultural stigma around induction of labour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsha Ananthram
- College of Medicine & Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.,Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The Wollongong Hospital, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ajay Rane
- College of Medicine & Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
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Callander E, Bull C, Forster D. Using epidemiological and health economic measures to inform maternity staffing decisions: A guide. Women Birth 2021; 35:e471-e476. [PMID: 34953751 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2021.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing concern around unnecessary intervention (particularly caesarean section) at birth in high-income countries. Caseload midwifery care aims to offset this, but is perceived to be costly to health services. AIM To use epidemiological and health economic techniques to estimate health outcomes and cost-savings of different levels of equivalent full time (EFT) midwives working in caseload midwifery care. METHODS Two simulations were conducted - one assuming 10 EFT midwives working in a caseload model, with 35 women per caseload, and one assuming 50 EFT midwives working in a caseload model, with 45 women per caseload. Both were based on a sample of 5000 women. The main model inputs included rates of health outcomes for women (caesarean section, epidural anaesthesia, and episiotomy) and infants (low birthweight and admissions to special care nursery (SCN) or neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)), and the cost savings associated with health outcome avoidance. FINDINGS The first simulation estimated 27 fewer caesarean sections, 12 fewer epidurals, 12 fewer episiotomies, 10 fewer low birthweight births, and 23 fewer infants admitted to SCN or NICU annually, at a total cost saving of AU$1,874,715. The second simulation estimated 173 fewer caesarean sections, 76 fewer epidurals, 76 fewer episiotomies, 65 fewer low birthweight births, and 150 fewer infants admitted to SCN or NICU annually, at a total cost saving of AU$12,051,741. CONCLUSION This study provides local-level decision-makers with a decision-tool to calculate the potentially avoidable health outcomes and cost savings associated with implementing caseload midwifery care in their own service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Callander
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Claudia Bull
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Della Forster
- Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia; Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
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Fox H, Topp SM, Lindsay D, Callander E. A cascade of interventions: A classification tree analysis of the determinants of primary cesareans in Australian public hospitals. Birth 2021; 48:209-220. [PMID: 33570208 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both globally and in Australia, there has been a sharp rise in cesarean births (CB). Commonly, this rise has been attributed to the changing epidemiology of women giving birth. A significant body of knowledge exists on the risk factors associated with a greater need for cesarean. Yet, we have little information on the reasons recorded by clinicians as to why cesareans are provided. This study aimed to explore the drivers of primary cesareans in Australian public hospitals. METHODS Using a linked administrative data set, the frequency and percent of mothers' characteristics were compared between those who had a cesarean birth and those who had a vaginal birth (n = 98 967) with no history of previous cesareans in Queensland public hospitals between July 1, 2012, and June 30, 2015. The top 10 reasons recorded by clinicians for a primary cesarean were reported. Using a machine-learning algorithm, two decision trees were built to determine factors driving primary cesarean birth. RESULTS "Labour and delivery complicated by fetal heart rate anomaly" (23%) and "primary inadequate contractions" (22.8%) were the top two reasons for a primary cesarean birth. The most common characteristics among mothers who had fetal heart rate anomalies were as follows: artificial rupture of membranes (39%), oxytocin (32%), no obstruction of labor (42%), and epidural (52%). For women who had primary inadequate contractions, the most common characteristics were as follows: epidural (33%), oxytocin (49%), artificial rupture of membranes (45%), and fetal stress (56%). CONCLUSIONS Efforts should be made by health practitioners during the antenatal period to maximize the use of preventative measures that minimize the need for medical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haylee Fox
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld, Australia
| | - Stephanie M Topp
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld, Australia
| | - Daniel Lindsay
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld, Australia
| | - Emily Callander
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Meadowbrook, Qld, Australia
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Artuso H, Davis DL. Trends and characteristics of women undergoing induction of labour in a tertiary hospital setting: A cross-sectional study. Women Birth 2021; 35:e181-e187. [PMID: 34034992 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2021.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In many well-resourced countries, rising rates of intervention are being observed during pregnancy, labour and childbirth with induction of labour (IOL) fast becoming one of the most common. In Australia, the rate of induction of labour has increased by over 30% since 2007, and today one in three women have their labours induced. We do not however have a good understanding of the contribution of specific obstetric populations to this trend. METHODS We examine the contribution of specific obstetric populations to induction of labour over a six-year period at one tertiary maternity service, using the Nippita classification system. Average Annual Percentage Changes (AAPC) were calculated along with 95% confidence intervals and P values set at 0.05. RESULTS The overall rate of induction of labour increased from 21.3% in 2012 to 30.9% in 2017, representing an Average Annual Percent Change of 8.1, P<0.0001 (95% CI 7-9.6). The greatest AAPC was seen in group 5 (parous, no previous caesarean section, 39-40 weeks, single cephalic), followed by group 2 (nulliparous, 39-40 weeks, single cephalic) and 1 (nulliparous, 37-38 weeks, single cephalic). CONCLUSIONS The use of the Nippita classification system allowed for standardised comparison across timepoints, facilitating identification of the subpopulations driving changes in rates of induction of labour. Rates of induction of labour saw a year on year increase which in this maternity service, it is not being driven by post-dates pregnancies. Further work is required to understand the role of other potential contributors such as diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Artuso
- Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, ACT and University of Canberra, Kirinari St., Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia
| | - Deborah L Davis
- ACT Government Health Directorate and University of Canberra, Kirinari St., Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia.
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