Abstract
Background
Although there is high-level evidence supporting positive perinatal outcomes for midwifery
group practice (MGP) care, not all women can access this model due to a failure to
implement or sustain it. The way that MGPs are managed could be an important factor
in whether they are successful in the long-term.
Aim
To explore what determines optimal management of MGP in Australia, and the influence
it has on sustainability of MGP.
Methods
Interviews were conducted with MGP midwives (n = 8). Transcriptions of the audio recordings were analysed thematically and lexically
for triangulation.
Findings
Following a thematic analysis of the data, an over-arching theme emerged – namely
— being valued and supported, with three sub-themes: a nice little sweet spot, someone
to stand up for you, and building relationships and support beyond the model. This
revealed that value and support by all stakeholders, including the midwives themselves,
was necessary to sustain an MGP. The lexical analysis revealed the themes: support,
the system, and the caseload. This analysis highlighted the importance of the system
– specifically, the impact of the institution on how MGP is operationalised.
Conclusion
For MGP to be sustained in Australia, it needs to be prioritised, nurtured, and embraced
by the whole maternity care system. Management plays an important role in ensuring
the right people are employed to pivotal positions and that midwifery-led models of
care are valued and supported throughout the system.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 26, 2021
Accepted:
May 17,
2021
Received in revised form:
May 13,
2021
Received:
March 8,
2021
Identification
Copyright
© 2021 Australian College of Midwives. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
