[The eastern Paris perinatal network (2008-2010). Defining the target population and assessing health needs]

Area of Science:

• Perinatal care regionalization
• Public health policy
• Healthcare network planning

Context:

• French governmental plans since the 1990s have promoted regionalization of perinatal care to enhance safety and quality.
• The Eastern Paris Perinatal Network is being established in health area 75-2, encompassing specific arrondissements of Paris.
• A key challenge is ensuring the network adequately serves its intended population.

Purpose:

• To define the target population of mothers and newborns for the Eastern Paris Perinatal Network.
• To develop a matrix for assessing population needs and identifying necessary data for network planning.

Summary:

• A matrix was developed using data from INSEE, health facility activities, national medical informatics programs, and 8th-day health certificates.
• The target population varies by perinatal period; for conception, it includes all women aged 15-49.
• In 2007, approximately 16,500 women gave birth in the area, with only 41.46% residing locally. Including women from the area delivering elsewhere, the estimated network population is around 19,000 women.

Impact:

• Highlights the necessity of considering both resident and user populations in urban healthcare planning.
• Emphasizes the importance of clearly defining target populations for effective policy and planning in dense healthcare environments like Paris.