Exploring midwifery students' views and experiences of caseload midwifery : A cross-sectional survey conducted in Victoria, Australia

Objectives
in Australia, models of maternity care that offer women continuity of care with a known midwife have been promoted. Little is known about the intentions of the future midwifery workforce to work in such models. This study aimed to explore midwifery students׳ views and experiences of caseload midwifery and their work intentions in relation to the caseload model following graduation.

Design
cross-sectional survey.

Setting
Victoria, Australia.

Participants
129 midwifery students representing all midwifery course pathways (Post Graduate Diploma, Bachelor of Midwifery, Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Midwifery) in Victoria.

Findings
midwifery students from all course pathways considered that continuity of care is important to women and indicated that exposure to continuity models during their course was very positive. Two-thirds of the students (67%) considered that the continuity experiences made them want to work in a caseload model; only 5% reported that their experiences had discouraged them from continuity of care work in the future. Most wanted a period of consolidation to gain experience as a midwife prior to commencing in the caseload model. Perceived barriers to caseload work were being on-call, and challenges in regard to work/life balance and family commitments.

Key conclusions and implications for practice
midwifery students in this study were very positive about caseload midwifery and most would consider working in caseload after a period of consolidation. Continuity of care experiences during students׳ midwifery education programmes appeared to provide students with insight and understanding of continuity of care for both women and midwives. Further research should explore what factors influence students׳ future midwifery work, whether or not their plans are fulfilled, and whether or not the caseload midwifery workforce can be sustained.