Staffing of perinatal care in Ukraine: dynamics and regional differences

One of the key areas where staffing has a direct impact is perinatal care, which covers a range of medical services for mothers and newborns at different stages of pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period. Assessment of the dynamics of changes in the number of obstetricians and gynaecologists, as well as a study of regional imbalances in staffing, is necessary to identify problems and to develop measures aimed at solving them. The aim of the study is a comprehensive analysis of the staffing of perinatal care in Ukraine, including an assessment of the dynamics of changes in the number and qualifications of obstetricians and gynaecologists in the period from 2015 to 2022, as well as the identification of regional disparities in the staffing of medical institutions. Results. A significant decrease in the number of obstetricians and midwives, a decrease in the number of women per 1 obstetrician-gynaecologist, a decrease in the number of births per 1 obstetrician-gynaecologist and the number of newborns per 1 neonatologist, an increase in the number of women who were not under medical supervision during pregnancy, and an increase in the number of births outside the maternity ward were found in the frontline regions of Ukraine. In the period from 2015 to 2022, the ratio of obstetrician-gynaecologist to midwife decreased, which led to a decrease in the role of midwives in the provision of perinatal care and in the quality of patient care, and an increase in the proportion of caesarean sections in the total number of births. Conclusions. The analysis of the dynamics of changes in the number of births, caesarean sections and the role of midwives indicates the need to improve human resources policy and optimise the resource provision of healthcare facilities. It is recommended to develop measures to improve staffing, training and implementation of effective management strategies to improve the quality of perinatal care in Ukraine.