Using willingness to pay to value alternative models of antenatal care

Recent years have seen the development of different models of antenatal care, especially for low risk women. More specifically, there has been a move for more general practitioner and midwifery involvement in such care. Given the current changes that are taking place in the provision of antenatal care, it is becoming increasingly important to carry out economic evaluations of alternative models of care. This paper applies the economic instrument of willingness to pay to assess the benefits of two alternative forms of antenatal care: general practitioner/midwife routine led care versus obstetrician led care. The results suggest a willingness to pay of £2500 for antenatal care, with no significant difference between the types of care provided. It is concluded that before firm policy conclusions can be reached, further studies should be undertaken to address methodological issues around the willingness to pay technique.