Abstract
Background
Demand for caseload midwifery care continues to outstrip supply. We know little about
what sustains midwives working in caseload models of care.
Aim
This review systematically identifies and synthesises research findings reporting
on factors which contribute to job satisfaction, and therefore the sustainability
of practice, of midwives working in caseload models of care.
Methods
A comprehensive search strategy explored the electronic databases CINAHL Plus with
Full Text, MEDLINE, PubMED, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus. Articles
were assessed using the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool. Data analysis and synthesis
of these publications were conducted using a narrative synthesis approach.
Findings
Twenty-two articles were reviewed. Factors which contribute to the job satisfaction
and sustainability of practice of midwives working in caseload models are: the ability
to build relationships with women; flexibility and control over own working arrangements;
professional autonomy and identity; and, organisational and practice arrangements.
Conclusion
Insights into the factors which contribute to the job satisfaction and sustainability
of practice of midwives in caseload models of care enables both midwives and healthcare
administrators to more effectively implement and support midwifery-led caseload models
of care which have been shown to improve outcomes for childbearing women.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: July 10, 2021
Accepted:
June 19,
2021
Received in revised form:
June 10,
2021
Received:
March 28,
2021
Identification
Copyright
© 2021 Australian College of Midwives. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
