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Australian maternity service provision : A comparative analysis of state and territory maternity care frameworks
Brundell, Kath Vasilevski, Vidanka Farrell, Tanya Sweet, Linda
Brundell, Kath
Vasilevski, Vidanka
Farrell, Tanya
Sweet, Linda
Abstract
Objective Healthcare delivery in Australia is managed at state and territory levels. This paper aims to compare the content and structure of publicly accessible Australian maternity service state and territory frameworks which guide the delivery of maternity care.
Methods A scoping review was conducted to identify publicly accessible Australian state and territory maternity service frameworks. A comparative content analysis was undertaken.
Results Six of the potential eight states and territories had locatable frameworks. Differences in both structure and content were found between frameworks. Variation exists between standalone maternity service frameworks and comprehensive clinical frameworks. Several jurisdictions align policy and ministerial directives in their frameworks outlining service delivery and guidance relating to maternal and/or neonatal transfer. Language referring to the assessment of maternity services and service risk varied.
Conclusion Consistency in structure, language, and a clear communication strategy embedded into each maternity service framework may improve the functioning and consistency of Australian maternity services at each level of the healthcare system.
Keywords
Australian, governance, maternity framework, maternity policy, maternity services
Date
2022
Type
Journal article
Journal
Australian Health Review
Book
Volume
46
Issue
5
Page Range
559-566
Article Number
ACU Department
School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Relation URI
DOI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
All rights reserved
File Access
Controlled