Midwives' experiences of working in a new service delivery model: the next birth after caesarean service

Abstract

The study aim was to describe midwives' experiences of working in a new service delivery model. A descriptive qualitative design was used. Six midwives, who had worked in the service since its establishment, whose experience ranged from three to 30 years and who had worked previously in continuity of care models, were invited to participate in a face-to-face recorded interview. Thematic analysis was used. To ensure credibility and trustworthiness of the analysis, all members of the research team reviewed the transcripts and contributed to the development of emerging themes. Ethical approval was granted by the King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women ethics committee and Curtin University. Four themes were identified. 'Getting to know the women' sets the scene with the midwives' perceptions of working in a new midwife-led model of care and the enhanced opportunity to get to know women. 'Layers of support' illustrates how midwives value women's choice and the support of midwifery colleagues. 'Under scrutiny' reflects the attention directed towards the service and their midwifery practice.