Caseload midwifery in a rural Australian setting: A qualitative descriptive study

Area of Science:

• Maternal Health
• Midwifery Practice
• Rural Health Services

Background:

• Midwifery-led continuity of care models offer benefits but present challenges for midwives.
• Caseload midwifery has been linked to higher job satisfaction and reduced burnout.
• Staffing rural areas with caseload models poses unique difficulties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore midwives' experiences working within a caseload model in rural Australia.
• To identify the opportunities and challenges associated with rural caseload midwifery.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative descriptive study.
• Interviews conducted with eleven midwives.
• Thematic analysis used to interpret data.

Main Results:

• A modified caseload model in rural Australia enhances job satisfaction.
• Key themes include increased job satisfaction, inherent challenges, and the core experience of being on call.
• Working with caseloads fosters vitality and positive professional identity, with being on call being both a necessity and a challenge.

Conclusions:

• Caseload midwifery fosters strong midwife-woman partnerships, autonomy, and flexible working hours.
• Being on call enables full scope of practice and continuity of care, though it impacts social life.
• Continuity of care models, like caseload midwifery, may attract and retain midwives in rural settings.