Development and Application of a Delivery Infrastructure Collapse Risk Assessment Tool: A Focus on Metropolitan Metropolitan Areas

Author: Hye Mi AHN ¹ ; Hyo-Seon JEONG ; Jin-Ok HAN ; Jong Yun HWANG ; Heeyoung LEE
Author Information

1. Gyeonggi Public Health Policy Institute, Seongnam, Korea
Publication Type:Original Article
From: Journal of Korean Maternal and Child Health 2024;28(4):156-166
CountryRepublic of Korea
Language:Korean
Abstract: Purpose:This study aims to develop a tool to systematically assess the risk of collapse in the delivery infrastructure and apply it to 42 districts in Gyeonggi Province. The ultimate goal is to provide data for preventive and improvement strategies tailored to regional needs.
Methods:Hospitals performing over 50 deliveries annually were identified. Regions were categorized as 'none,' 'one,' or 'more than two' delivery hospitals, with further subdivision by annual delivery volume. Regions were then classified into 5 categories: 'relatively stable,' 'low-risk,' 'moderate-risk,' 'high-risk,' and 'collapsed.'
Results:Of the 42 districts, 23 were classified as relatively stable, 3 as low-risk, 1 as moderate-risk, 4 as highrisk, and 11 as collapsed. Notably, areas where the delivery infrastructure has collapsed or is at high risk of collapse accounted for approximately 36% of the total.
Conclusion:Tailored strategies and urgent policy support are required for high-risk regions. While perinatal regionalization may be a future direction, stable infrastructure must be maintained until the maternal care delivery system is established.