A254C: Predicting health system costs in relation to adverse birth outcomes

Predicting health system costs in relation to adverse birth outcomes

Approved: 2013

Collaborators:

Prof Michael Martin
Dr Catherine Chojenta
Prof Deborah Loxton
Prof Jim Butler

Synopsis

The health system costs of women who experience adverse birth outcomes (such as stillbirth, neonatal death, congenital conditions, prematurity and low birth weight) will be quantified using generalised linear mixed-effects modelling. The costs will be compared with costs associated with women who do not experience these outcomes, and we will also consider the difference in the costs of GP and Specialist services between the two groups of women. This will highlight the cost burden of these births and have significant policy and funding impacts in terms of resource allocation for health care in the future. Finally, we will look to isolate which modifiable risk factors might be associated with the costs arising from adverse birth outcomes.