Severe maternal morbidity and related hospital quality measures in Maryland

Objective To determine hospital characteristics and quality metrics associated with severe maternal morbidity (SMM) in Maryland. Study Design A population-based observational study of 364,113 statewide delivery hospitalizations during 2010-2015 linked with socio-economic community measures and hospital characteristics and quality measures. Multivariable logistic regression models with generalized estimating equations estimated SMM adjusting for individual, community, and hospital-level factors and clustering within hospitals and residence zip codes. Results The SMM prevalence was 197 per 10,000 deliveries. Adjusted SMM risk ratios were higher for younger (<20 years), older (35+ years), non-White non-Hispanic, unmarried, multiple substance users, women with multiple gestations, and chronic medical and mental health conditions than their counterparts. Communities with greater socio-economic disadvantage and hospitals with poorer patient experience and clinical care quality had higher rates of SMM. Conclusion Addressing socio-economic disparities and improving quality of care in delivery hospitals are key to reducing the SMM burden in Maryland.