Abstract
Problem
More than half of women start pregnancy above a healthy weight and two-thirds gain
excess weight during pregnancy, increasing the risk of complications.
Background
Little research has examined the influence model of care has on weight-related outcomes
in pregnancy.
Aim
To explore how continuity vs non-continuity models of midwifery care influence perceived
readiness to provide woman-centred interventions with women supporting pregnancy weight
gain, healthy eating and physical activity.
Methods
Focus groups were conducted with midwives working in either continuity or non-continuity
models of care at a tertiary hospital in Queensland, Australia. Focus group questions
elicited elements around practices, the healthcare environment and woman-centred care
skills. Findings were analysed using the Framework Approach to qualitative research.
Findings
Four focus groups, involving 15 participants from the continuity of care model and
53 from the non-continuity model, were conducted. Continuity of care participants
reported greater readiness to provide woman-centred interventions than those from
non-continuity models. Barriers faced by both groups included gaps in communication
training, education resources and multidisciplinary support.
Discussion
Midwives across models of care require greater support in this area, in particular
training in communication and better multidisciplinary service integration to support
women.
Conclusion
The care model appears to influence capacity to deliver person/woman-centred interventions,
highlighting the need for tailored training for the healthcare setting. The roles
of other health professionals in delivering weight management interventions during
pregnancy also need to be examined.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 27, 2020
Accepted:
January 9,
2020
Received in revised form:
December 17,
2019
Received:
June 27,
2019
Identification
Copyright
© 2020 Australian College of Midwives. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
