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)

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.