Everyone should have their own midwife : Women's and staff experiences during the implementation of two midwifery continuity of care models in regional Australia

Journal article


Prussing, Elysse, Kinsman, Leigh, Jacob, Alycia, Doust, Jenni, Guy, Frances and Tierney, Olivia. (2024). Everyone should have their own midwife : Women's and staff experiences during the implementation of two midwifery continuity of care models in regional Australia. Women and Birth. 37(6), p. Article 101807. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2024.101807
AuthorsPrussing, Elysse, Kinsman, Leigh, Jacob, Alycia, Doust, Jenni, Guy, Frances and Tierney, Olivia
Abstract

Problem
Midwifery Continuity of Care (MCoC) remains inaccessible for most Australian women; this is especially true in rural and regional areas.

Background
Strong evidence demonstrates MCoC models improve experiences for women and their babies and are also shown to improve midwifery workforce wellbeing. However, implementation and upscale remains limited.

Aim
To explore the views and experiences of implementing MCoC for both staff and women, understanding their experiences, concerns and solutions in a regional context.

Methods
Qualitative data was collected via focus groups with women and healthcare staff, at six and twelve month post implementation. Data was thematically analysed using Braun and Clarke six step process.

Findings
The findings support that ‘women love it’ and midwives working in the new MCoC model ‘loved their job’. The major concern was that not all women could access the model and disconnected communication was problematic during implementation. ‘Sharing stories’ was a solution to overcoming these issues and promoting the positive impact of MCoC - in particular ways of working and adaption to an all-risk midwifery group practice.

Discussion
This study supports widespread evidence that MCoC is valued by both women and staff. In a regional context it is important to recognise challenges faced during implementation and identifying solutions that other maternity services could consider when implementing MCoC.

Conclusion
The study offers strong recommendation for regional areas to consider MGP to maintain safe, quality local maternity services.

Keywordsmidwifery continuity of care; rural and regional; maternity care; implementation; model evaluation
Year2024
JournalWomen and Birth
Journal citation37 (6), p. Article 101807
PublisherElsevier Ltd
ISSN1871-5192
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2024.101807
PubMed ID39208507
Scopus EID2-s2.0-85202644601
Page range13-19
FunderMid-North Coast Local Health District
Publisher's version
License
All rights reserved
File Access Level
Controlled
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Online28 Aug 2024
Publication process dates
Accepted21 Aug 2024
Deposited06 May 2025
Additional information

© 2024 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Australian College of Midwives.

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