Download PDF
Am J Perinatol 1987; 4(1): 24-28
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-999732
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1987 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Perinatal Market Penetration Rate

A Tool to Evaluate Regional Perinatal ProgramsWilliam F. Powers1 , Laurilynn McGill2
  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, and the Perinatal Center, Saint Francis Medical Center, Peoria, Illinois
  • 2Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Family Health, Springfield, Illinois
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
04 March 2008 (online)

Also available at
    Permissions and Reprints

ABSTRACT

Very small babies born in tertiary centers fare better than outborn babies referred for tertiary care after birth. Viewing the 1001-1500 gm regional cohort of fetuses as a potential “market” for center delivery, and measuring a center's penetration into this market, quantitates how well a center draws to itself these small, high-risk fetuses for delivery. An Illinois center's annual penetration rate into its regional market for the years 1973-1983 is presented and significant increases are found. The penetration rates of nine Illinois perinatal centers are calculated and wide discrepancies are found. Defining a high-risk regional cohort as a market stresses a perinatal center's obligation to its region. The penetration rate into a defined market measures how well a center fulfills this obligation.