Strategy to Reduce the Cost of Low-Risk Term Delivery by Cesarean Section and Vaginally.

Abstract

The objective of this study is to design a strategy to reduce the cost of low-risk term delivery, whether by cesarean section or vaginally, at the University Teaching Hospital Maternity Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia during the period from January to June 2023. This was a descriptive, retrospective, correlational, and cross-sectional study, with a population of 200 medical records (100 cesarean sections and 100 vaginal deliveries), using a convenience sampling method. The results showed that the average cost of delivery by cesarean section was RD$20,210.50, while for vaginal delivery it was RD$9,080, with a difference of 55.08 percent. Additionally, it was observed that 41 percent of women undergoing cesarean sections spent between 3-4 hours in the delivery room, while 33 percent of patients with vaginal deliveries spent only 1-2 hours. Regarding hospital stay, 40 percent of cesarean patients remained for 3-4 days, compared to 32 percent of vaginal delivery patients, who stayed only 1-2 days. The costs associated with hospital stay were higher for cesarean sections (RD$1,483.33) compared to vaginal deliveries (RD$900). The average cost of supplies and physician time was also significantly higher in cesarean cases, with a notable difference in total expenses.