Introduction: Midwife-led continuity models are models of care where the same midwife or team of midwives provide care during the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period. Midwifery care promotes and maintains the physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental wellbeing of the woman and her family. Continuity of care is indispensable to the concept of holistic woman-centred care and fundamental for midwifery practice. Women who received midwife-led continuity care were less likely to experience interventions and were more likely to be satisfied with their care. Midwives were also more satisfied due to the role they have in the model. Purpose: The objective of this diploma work is to compare different models of care around the world and to determine whether midwives in Slovenia are willing and eager to work in a midwife-led continuity model. Methods: For a systematic review, a descriptive approach is used, and for empirical research, a causal non-experimental research design. The instrument used for quantitative analysis was an online questionnaire. Participants in the survey were midwives who work in hospitals and community or independent practice. Participation was anonymous and voluntary. Results: In the study, more than half of the midwives feel equipped enough to work in a continuity model of care. Most of them are not content with the current model of care for women in the childbearing phase. Almost all of the participants agree that there is a need for a midwife-led continuity model in Slovenia, and more than two-thirds of them are willing to work in a continuity model of care. Midwives are not content with the competencies they currently have and would like to have more autonomy in their practice. To have a relationship with women well established is essential for midwives. Discussion and conclusion: The midwife-led continuity model brings proven benefits to mothers, babies and midwives. In the study, Slovenian midwives expressed their willingness to work in a continuity model of care. Implementation of the midwifery model of continuity demands a radical change in the health system and in the way midwives work. Even though continuity model will not suit all women and midwives; the midwives need to have a choice in what model of care they want to work.
|