A direct comparison of patient-reported outcomes and experiences in alternative models of maternity care in Queensland, Australia

Abstract

We aimed to directly compare women’s pregnancy to postpartum outcomes and experiences across the major maternity models of care offered in Queensland, Australia. We conducted secondary analyses of self-reported data collected in 2012 from a state-wide sample of women who had recently given birth in Queensland (response rate = 30.4%). Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of outcomes and experiences associated with three models (GP Shared Care, Public Midwifery Continuity Care, Private Obstetric Care) compared with Standard Public Care, adjusting for relevant maternal characteristics and clinical covariates. Of 2,802 women, 18.2% received Standard Public Care, 21.7% received GP Shared Care, 12.9% received Public Midwifery Continuity Care, and 47.1% received Private Obstetric Care. There were minimal differences for women in GP Shared Care. Women in Public Midwifery Continuity Care were less likely to have a scheduled caesarean and more likely to have an unassisted vaginal birth, experience freedom of mobility during labour and informed consent processes for inducing labour, vaginal examinations, fetal monitoring and receiving Syntocinon to birth their placenta, and report highest quality interpersonal care. They had fewer vaginal examinations, lower odds of perineal trauma requiring sutures and anxiety after birth, shorter postpartum hospital stays, and higher odds of a home postpartum care visit. Women in Private Obstetric Care were more likely to have their labour induced, a scheduled caesarean birth, experience informed consent processes for caesarean, and report highest quality interpersonal care, but less likely to experience unassisted vaginal birth and informed consent for Syntocinon to birth their placenta. There is an urgent need to communicate variations between maternity models across the range of outcome and experiential measures that are important to women; build more rigorous comparative evidence for Private Midwifery Care; and prioritise experiential and out-of-pocket cost comparisons in further research to enable woman-centred informed decision-making.

Woman-Centered Care: Standardized Outcomes Measure

“…The implementation of standardized indicators has a huge value as it ensures that patients receive safe and high-quality services, irrespective of their country of residence or cultural context. Setting equal indicators for evaluating healthcare outcomes and experiences from patients’ perspectives, standardized indicators offer a powerful tool for consistent and evidence-based practices [ 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 ].…”

The role of part-time arrangements in the sustainability of midwifery continuity of care models in Australia: An integrative review

“…Midwifery continuity of care (MCoC) is a relationship-centered model of care, considered increasingly as the gold standard for maternity care provision worldwide. Aside from clinical benefits, studies on maternal satisfaction with MCoC models have indicated aspects women value most from the relationships developed in MCoC: personalized care, empowerment, and trust 1,2 . There are various forms of midwifery-led MCoC models, provided by publicly funded services and midwives in private practice.…”