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Examining Perinatal Regionalization in Practice: A Network Analysis of Maternal Transport in Georgia
Objective:
The primary objective was to use network analysis to characterize maternal transport patterns in the state of Georgia and compare them with the state's designated perinatal regions (DPRs).
Study Design:
Using 2017-2022 birth records in Georgia, we constructed network graphs of maternal transport routes among obstetric facilities. We used multivariate logistic regression to identify factors associated with inter-DPR transports. We applied a community-detection algorithm to cluster facilities and compared the clusters to Georgia's DPRs.
Results:
Among 774 639 deliveries, 2 757 (0.36%) involved transports among obstetric facilities. 8 facility clusters were identified and strongly aligned with DPRs (p < 0.001). Inter-DRP transports tended to occur between neighboring DPRs and between facilities belonging to the same healthcare system (p < 0.001).
Conclusion:
Network analysis reveals patterns of maternal transports among obstetric facilities. States can improve the design of perinatal regionalization systems by formalizing existing partnership among obstetric facilities.
