BACKGROUND:
In Chile, there are no Birth Centers and home birth care for low-risk pregnant women is unregulated.

OBJECTIVES:
This study aims to demonstrate the economic feasibility of implementing a Birth Center within the Barros Luco Trudeau Hospital, to provide birth care to low-risk women in the public health system.

METHODS:
A business plan and economic evaluation methodology were used, using the profitability indicators NPV, IRR, and payback. The Birth Center will have a physical space decorated like a home, but with the necessary clinical supplies and equipment. It will count on a professional team formed by midwives and technicians who will be responsible for the care of the mother and newborn. This clinical care will be provided on an outpatient basis, with a discharge from the Center 12 hours postpartum, telemedicine follow-up within 24 hours, and a home visit within 48 hours postpartum.

RESULTS:
Results: The goal is to attend approximately 700 births per year, accounting for 20% of the average number of births at Barros Luco Hospital, with 90% institutional funding and 10% non-core funding. To initiate this project, an investment of 3,450 Chilean Development Units (€118,701) is estimated. According to the 5-year economic evaluation, the resulting profitability indicators are: a positive NPV of 3,356 UF (€109,762), an IRR of 21%, and a payback period of 3.5 years, indicating the economic feasibility of the project.

CONCLUSIONS:
It is concluded that the implementation of the Birth Center is a very attractive project, both economically and socially, and could be a major advance in perinatal health and the birth experiences of women and families in Chile.

KEY MESSAGE:
birth center, low-risk pregnant, Poster session 1 (Group A)