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Continuity of carer and satisfaction
1Department of Nursing, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. U.Waldensrtom@mariadata.se
Midwifery
|March 17, 1999
Summary
Continuity of carer did not significantly impact patient satisfaction in a birth center setting. High satisfaction was linked to staff attitudes and environment, not necessarily knowing the individual midwife.
Area of Science:
- Maternal Health
- Midwifery Care
- Patient Experience
Background:
- Continuity of carer is often associated with improved patient satisfaction in maternity care.
- Birth centers offer a distinct model of care that may influence the importance of carer continuity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between continuity of carer and patient satisfaction with antenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum care in a birth center setting.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive study analyzed satisfaction data from women in a birth center trial.
- Data on individual caregivers were cross-referenced with satisfaction scores from antenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum care episodes.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences in satisfaction were found based on the number of midwives seen during antenatal care.
- Satisfaction with intrapartum care and the birth experience did not differ between women cared for by a known or unknown midwife.
- Satisfaction with postpartum domiciliary care was also not significantly affected by whether the midwife was known or unknown.
Conclusions:
- Continuity of carer appears less critical in a birth center environment compared to traditional maternity services.
- High patient satisfaction in birth centers may be more influenced by the overall care environment, staff attitudes, and philosophy of care than by knowing the individual midwife.