Abstract
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.
Full Text Availability
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