Improving Pregnancy Outcomes Through Physician Referrals: Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial

In this study, we examine whether a relatively low cost intervention aimed at reducing deprivation among pregnant women can significantly improve pregnancy outcomes. The study is based on results from a randomized controlled trial at Advocate Health, a hospital in southern Chicagoland that treats a large number of low-income pregnant women. These women were screened by their physicians for need along five dimensions (food, housing, utilities, transportation, and intimate partner violence) and, in the treatment group, given access to a service providing a referral to an appropriate community service provider in the woman’s geographic area. The service, called NowPow, also contacted the CSP to increase the probability of follow up. We examine whether access to NowPow significantly reduces the frequency of negative pregnancy outcomes, such as premature delivery, low birthweight and NICU admissions. The results of this paper contribute to the burgeoning literature on the importance of social determinants of health, and provide a low-cost way for physicians to improve the conditions of life for their patients.