Comparison between the maternity policy and clinical practice in China and the Netherlands

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the difference and similarity in delivery policy and clinical practice of the two countries , to discuss the experience in reducing maternal mortality in the Netherlands and to provide information which can improve clinical practice and maternity policy for the future . Methods: From October 2008 to April 2009 the obstetric service and clinical data from Máxima Medical Center (MMC) in the Netherlands and the 4th hospital of Shijiazhuang in China were compared and analyzed . MMC is a tertiary obstetric referral centre with about 1 ,800 deliveries each year. The equipments in MMC were inspected and the management personnel ,health-care workers ,and patients giving birth at home and in hospital were interviewed . The clinical data of the two hospitals in recent years are collected and compared. Results: The method of medical expenses payment in these two countries is different. In the Netherlands , family doctors , midwives and obstetricians share the responsibility for prenatal care in normal pregnancies. Due to the increased amount of "only-child" pregnant women in China, the cesarean section rate raises compared to the Netherlands. In the Netherlands ,midwives and patient's husband accompany the whole delivery process ,patients receive all-inclusive care. In the Netherlands ,the hospital has efficient obstetric emergency training ,standardized prenatal inspection and health care ,which help to reduce the risk in delivery. Conclusions: Enhance early pregnancy care , prenatal diagnosis , health education , sharing the responsibility for prenatal care and obstetric emergency training are important to improve patient outcome . Prenatal consaltation as a prenatal care method might have the greatest impact on pregnancy. Good councelling and explanation about the delivery process beforehand may lead to a reduction in cesarean section in China . Pregnancy care and prenatal education are important measures to improve the obstetric quality ,protect the safety and health of maternal and infant. Both hospitals provide the knowledge of pregnancy care and service to patients . Hospitals shoald regularly organize professional training to improve the professional quality of medical personnel.