Evaluation of satisfaction with midwifery care

Area of Science:

• Maternal Health
• Healthcare Services Research
• Midwifery Studies

Background:

• Maternity care models significantly impact patient satisfaction.
• Understanding women's preferences for caregiver type is crucial for service improvement.
• Evaluating new patient-reported outcome measures is essential for efficient data collection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare maternal satisfaction between doctor-led and midwife-led maternity care.
• To evaluate the utility of a novel six-question satisfaction questionnaire (SSQ).

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 194 women with low-risk pregnancies in Alberta, Canada.
• Women were assigned to either midwife care (n=101) or doctor care (n=93).
• Satisfaction was measured using the Labour and Delivery Satisfaction Index (LADSI), Attitudes about Labour and Delivery Experience (ADLE), and the Six Simple Questions (SSQ) questionnaire at various postpartum intervals.

Main Results:

• Women receiving midwife care reported significantly higher satisfaction and more positive attitudes toward childbirth than those receiving doctor care (p < 0.001).
• The SSQ demonstrated comparable scores to the LADSI.
• Satisfaction levels were lowest at 36 weeks gestation and peaked immediately postpartum for both groups.

Conclusions:

• Midwife-led care is associated with greater satisfaction for women with low-risk pregnancies.
• The SSQ shows potential but requires further validation before widespread adoption as a substitute for the LADSI.
• Increased accessibility to midwifery care options is recommended for all Canadian women, supported by positive satisfaction and clinical outcomes.