Event Details

Robust evidence demonstrates that continuity of midwifery care improves perinatal outcomes, is valued by women, and represents efficient use of health system resources. Yet most women in Australia continue to experience fragmented models of maternity care. The Midwifery Antenatal Postnatal Service (MAPS) is a partial continuity of midwifery care model in which midwives provide continuity of antenatal and postnatal care without on-call requirements. From October 2023 to March 2025, MAPS was trialled in a Western Australian hospital setting. To evaluate this trial, we compared perinatal outcomes of 223 mother-baby dyads who received MAPS care against a matched sample who received standard fragmented care. We also conducted a postnatal online cross-sectional survey with 105 MAPS consumers. In this presentation, the study findings will be presented, along with key insights into implementation and upscaling of the model. 

Key Takeaways:

• Overall, MAPS offers a promising, scalable alternative to standard fragmented care with select improved maternal outcomes and high consumer satisfaction
• Insight into structural elements of the model which support relational care will be identified
• Perspectives of implementing, evaluating and working in a MAPS model will be shared