Authors (including presenting author) :
Chan HY(1), Ho HL(1), Yip MY(1), Li OCA(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital
Keyword 1: :
continuity of midwifery care
Keyword 2: :
maternal and neonatal health outcomes
Keyword 3: :
optimizing maternity care
Keyword 4: :
team midwifery care
Introduction :
The continuity of midwifery care refers to a consistent approach providing midwifery care throughout the pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period, which greatly improves the physical and mental health of women during their maternity experiences. In 2013, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital launched a midwife clinic designed to implement team-based continuity of care for pregnant women. Feedback from this initiative has been predominantly positive, emphasizing its potential advantages. This review seeks to offer evidence-based recommendations aimed at shaping healthcare policies and enhancing maternity care at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital.
Objectives :
•Evaluate Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes: Assess how effectively continuity of midwifery care improves maternal and neonatal health outcomes •Identify Barriers and Challenges: Analyze the barriers and challenges associated with maintaining continuity of midwifery care •Suggest Areas for Optimized Care: Identify potential areas for extending and optimizing maternity care
Methodology :
A systematic review was carried out using the PRISMA methodology to analyze existing literature on continuity of midwifery care. Using relevant keywords like "continuity of midwifery care" and "team midwifery care," searches were conducted across databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL, focusing on articles published between 2015 and 2025. A content analysis led to the inclusion of 16 articles in the review. The findings were categorized and evaluated with the GRADE system, revealing that 12 articles provided high-quality evidence while 4 offered moderate-quality evidence.
Result & Outcome :
The findings suggest that midwifery continuity of care presents significant benefits during the perinatal period. Women reported high satisfaction levels which can reach as high as 90% attributed to personalized care and established relationships with midwives. This model also enhances psychological well-being by reducing anxiety and depression, empowering women with control over their birthing decisions. Lower rates of medical interventions such as 25-30% reduction in caesarean birth rates compared to those receiving traditional care support more natural childbirth experiences and lead to favourable postnatal outcomes. However, barriers exist, particularly the limited extension of continuity of midwifery care into community settings in Hong Kong. Continuity of midwifery care significantly enriches childbirth experiences and psychological well-being, as evidenced by the practices of midwife clinic at Pamela Youde Nethersole Hospital. However, current midwifery service remains primarily hospital-focused. Expanding postnatal care by midwives into community settings is recommended for further optimizing maternity care delivery.
