Dyadic Care Interventions and Outcomes for Mothers and Their Infants: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Maternal and Child Health
• Healthcare Delivery Models
• Public Health Interventions

Background:

• Simultaneous care for mothers and infants (dyadic care) shows promise in reducing postpartum morbidity and mortality.
• Existing literature presents a wide range of implemented dyadic care models globally.
• Understanding these models is crucial for optimizing postpartum care strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of maternal-infant dyadic care models implemented worldwide.
• To summarize the outcomes measured in studies of dyadic care interventions.
• To identify opportunities for future research and clinical practice in maternal-infant dyadic care.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was performed across 8 databases up to December 24, 2024.
• Included studies focused on interventions providing simultaneous care for mother and infant within one year postpartum.
• Studies were excluded if they evaluated standard care or were purely educational.

Main Results:

• 117 studies from 28 countries identified 10 distinct dyadic care models.
• Home visits by medical professionals were the most frequently studied model.
• Commonly assessed outcomes included maternal mental health, infant rehospitalization, and breastfeeding rates, with varied efficacy reported.

Conclusions:

• Dyadic care interventions present a significant opportunity to enhance healthcare delivery for mothers and infants.
• These models can improve trust between families and healthcare providers.
• Implementing dyadic care holds potential for improving health outcomes throughout the life course.