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Do Empty Beds Cause Cesarean Deliveries?

Author

Listed:
  • Bachner, Florian

    (Austrian National Public Health Institute (GÖG))

  • Halla, Martin

    (WU Vienna University of Economics and Business)

  • Pruckner, Gerald J.

    (University of Linz)

Abstract

We examine how the number of beds available in a maternity ward affects the likelihood of cesarean delivery and maternal health. Our analysis is based on administrative data from Austria. We exploit idiosyncratic daily variation in the occupancy of maternity hospital beds. We find that empty beds increase the probability of cesarean delivery, hospitalization, and readmission. A one standard deviation decrease in maternity bed occupancy increases the probability of cesarean delivery by 4.0% and subsequent hospitalization by 5.8%. Expectant mothers may benefit from a crowded hospital, even at unfavorable patient-staff ratios, because it may lead to less harmful overtreatment.

Suggested Citation

  • Bachner, Florian & Halla, Martin & Pruckner, Gerald J., 2024. "Do Empty Beds Cause Cesarean Deliveries?," IZA Discussion Papers 16981, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp16981
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    capacity; hospital crowding; supplier-induced demand; cesarean delivery; cesarean section; overtreatment; maternal health;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J11 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Demographic Trends, Macroeconomic Effects, and Forecasts
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure

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