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Exploring the qualities of midwifery-led continuity of care in Australia (MiLCCA) using the quality maternal and newborn care framework.
- Source :
-
Women and birth : journal of the Australian College of Midwives [Women Birth] 2020 Mar; Vol. 33 (2), pp. 125-134. Date of Electronic Publication: 2019 Apr 12. - Publication Year :
- 2020
-
Abstract
- Problem: Midwifery-led continuity of care has well documented evidence of benefits for mothers and babies, however uptake of these models by Australian maternity services has been slow.<br />Background: It is estimated that only 10% of women have access to midwifery-led continuity of care in Australia. The Quality Maternal Newborn Care (QMNC) Framework has been developed as a way to implement and upscale health systems that meet the needs of childbearing women and their infants. The Framework can be used to explore the qualities of existing maternity services.<br />Aim: We aimed to use the QMNC Framework to explore the qualities of midwifery-led continuity of care in two distinct settings in Australia with recommendations for replication of the model in similar settings.<br />Methods: Data were collected from services users and service providers via focus groups. Thematic analysis was used to develop initial findings that were then mapped back to the QMNC Framework.<br />Findings: Good quality care was facilitated by Fostering connection, Providing flexibility for women and midwives and Having a sense of choice and control. Barriers to the provision of quality care were: Contested care and Needing more preparation for unexpected outcomes.<br />Discussion: Midwifery-led continuity of carer models shift the power dynamic from a hierarchical one, to one of equality between women and midwives facilitating informed decision making. There are ongoing issues with collaboration between general practice, obstetrics and midwifery. Organisations have a responsibility to address the challenges of contested care and to prepare women for all possible outcomes to ensure women experience the best quality care as described in the framework.<br />Conclusion: The QMNC Framework is a useful tool for exploring the facilitators and barriers to the widespread provision of midwifery-led continuity of care.<br /> (Crown Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1878-1799
- Volume :
- 33
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Women and birth : journal of the Australian College of Midwives
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 30987800
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2019.03.013