[Variability in the cesarean ratio and indications for the procedure among Spanish hospitals].

Objective: To describe variability in the cesarean ratio and indications for this procedure in women with and without a previous cesarean section.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 111 hospitals (year 2010) categorized in six levels. Ten groups of indications for cesarean section were developed.

Is the maturity of hospitals' quality improvement systems associated with measures of quality and patient safety?

Background: Previous research addressed the development of a classification scheme for quality improvement systems in European hospitals. In this study we explore associations between the 'maturity' of the hospitals' quality improvement system and clinical outcomes.

Methods: The maturity classification scheme was developed based on survey results from 389 hospitals in eight European countries.