Reduction of preterm birth in an HMO.

In 1984 a preterm birth prevention project was introduced into a large, well-established HMO. Five years of resultant experience and data are compared to metropolitan area and state data. The method described by Dr. Robert Creasy was followed. Some recommendations for change of the screening tool are made. The impact on the preterm birth rate in the HMO setting was substantial, with the rate of decline exceeding that of the metropolitan area and the state.