Development of a best practice model of midwifery-led antenatal care

The development and implementation of a model of midwifery-led antenatal care was the second phase of a larger project known as the Improving Patient Outcomes Project. The overall project aim was to demonstrate the effectiveness of evidencebased models and systems of care on improving patient outcomes.

Survey results from local antenatal clinics had revealed an absence of evidence-based guidelines for the provision of antenatal midwifery care. Midwives and expert reviewers combined their experience to appraise the quality and relevance of currently available research evidence to develop a best practice model of antenatal care for low risk women in which the midwife is the lead antenatal care professional. The model offered a care plan for the pregnancy trimesters and outlined circumstances requiring referral to, or consultation with, a medical officer. In addition it offered women a flexible visit schedule and continuity of carer throughout the antenatal period. The methods used in this study may have general applicability to developing best practice models of antenatal care and for the validation of contemporary midwifery antenatal practice. The value of the model will be realised through its successful implementation by the midwifery profession and the evaluation of its effectiveness for women and their families.