Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026

External Cephalic Version: Is it an Effective and Safe Procedure?
Published on: June 6, 2020
Economic implications of method of delivery
Victoria M Allen1, Colleen M O'Connell, Scott A Farrell
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. vmallen@dal.ca
Objective:
This study was undertaken to examine the costs of hospital care associated with different methods of delivery.
Study Design:
An 18-year population-based cohort study (1985-2002) using the Nova Scotia Atlee Perinatal Database compared outcomes in nulliparous women at term undergoing spontaneous or induced labor for planned vaginal delivery, or undergoing cesarean delivery without labor. Costs that were assessed included physician fees, nursing hours in the labor and delivery, postpartum and neonatal intensive care units, epidural use, induction of labor agents, and consumables.
Results:
A total of 27,614 pregnancies satisfied inclusion and exclusion criteria, 5233 of which had labor induced. A comparison of mean costs per mother/infant pair demonstrated that cesarean delivery in labor ($2137) was increased compared with spontaneous vaginal delivery ($1340, P=.01), assisted vaginal delivery ($1594, P=.01), and cesarean delivery without labor ($1532, P=.01). The cost of delivery after induction of labor ($1715) was increased compared with spontaneous onset of labor ($1474, P<.001).
Conclusion:
Cesarean delivery in labor occurs more frequently with labor induction and is associated with increased costs compared with other methods of delivery.
Related Concept Videos
Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...
Drug Delivery: Overview
Enteral delivery involves administering drugs directly through swallowing, sublingual placement, or buccal application. Orally administered drugs predominantly navigate the gastrointestinal...
Issues And Trends In Healthcare Delivery System
Cost Containment
Payment for healthcare services has historically promoted adoption of costly and often unnecessary or inefficient...
Drug Delivery: Miscellaneous Routes
Oral inhalation and nasal sprays swiftly transfer drugs across the respiratory epithelium's mucosal layer. Inhaled glucocorticoids and bronchodilators directly target lung conditions such as asthma, while fluticasone nasal spray mitigates allergic rhinitis.
Transdermal patches transport drugs through the...
Introduction To Health Care Delivery System
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) advocates for a patient-centered, effective, safe, timely, equitable, and effective healthcare system. The National Priorities...
Drug Delivery: Enteral Route
Drugs in...