Midwives' Experience of Providing Continuity of Care in a Pilot Project: Findings of a Prospective Qualitative Research Study

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONThere has been a strategic drive for several years in midwifery to improve models of care and enable women to receive care from a known midwife. However over the past decade new models of care to achieve this have not been sustained and some midwives have expressed opinions that such models can never be sustainable for the staff working them. This study was designed to explore the midwives experience of working a continuity of care model, develop understanding of the lived experience of midwives, and provide insight into how such models can be sustainable from the midwives perspective. A local trust initiative to pilot a small team continuity of care model in one geographical area was introduced and a group of midwives interested in working differently were recruited onto the study to share their experiences. This article details the process and themes identified through a small qualitative research study to explore midwives' experiences of working in a new way to provide increased continuity of care for women. The study results are written in response to a local drive for change and within the context of a small group of midwives taking part in a service improvement project. The article specifically identifies themes in the midwives' experiences and lessons learnt for sustainable change in relation to continuity of care within midwifery services.METHODThe study was a qualitative descriptive study. The main purpose of the study was to gain further understanding of the personal experiences of midwives. Data was collected over a 12-month period from eight midwives who took part; reflective diaries, notes from team meetings and data from the team's “WhatsApp” group chat were used to capture the data over time. Themes identified were then verified with the participants through one to one semi structured interviews.FINDINGSThe research data has been organized into four overarching themes related to May's (2009) normalization process theory: Coherence—same difference, cognitive participation—operational workability, collective action—relationships and reflexive monitoring—personal sustainability.DISCUSSIONA key theme running throughout the data was the importance of autonomy, flexibility, and trust, enabling midwives and women to build effective therapeutic relationships. This is important to note when developing systems for care. Staff needed to feel trusted in order to work flexibly and take control over their own work/life balance. The findings indicate that where staff felt enabled to organize their own workloads they did in fact work harder to meet the needs of the women. A shift in culture in maternity systems would need to be embraced for this level of control to be afforded all midwives. It should be noted that the study was conducted in one specific area and with a small number of midwives. Hence the findings cannot be generalized and will need to be explored further across different cultures.