The elements of success in a comprehensive state-wide program to safely reduce the rate of preterm birth.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:In 2014, a whole-of-population and multi-faceted preterm birth prevention program was introduced in Western Australia with the single aim of safely lowering the rate of preterm birth. The program included new clinical guidelines, print and social media, and a dedicated new clinic. In the first full calendar year the rate of preterm birth fell by 7.6% and the reduction extended from the 28-31 week gestational age group upwards. OBJECTIVE:The objective of this study was to evaluate outcomes in greater depth and to also include the first three years of the program. STUDY DESIGN:This was a prospective population-based cohort study of perinatal outcomes in singleton pregnancies before and after commencement of the program. RESULTS:There was a significant reduction in preterm birth in

SUBMITTER: Newnham JP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7272053 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature