How has the integration of midwives into primary healthcare settings impacted access to care? A qualitative descriptive study from Ontario, Canada.

ABSTRACT:

Problem

Most primary health care settings in Canada do not offer midwifery care. Midwifery remains poorly understood in Canada by some members of the public and healthcare providers.

Background

Most midwives in Canada work in community-based midwifery-led continuity of care models that are not integrated into interprofessional primary healthcare settings.

Aim

To investigate perceptions of how integrating midwives into primary health care teams impacts access to care.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative descriptive study of expanded midwifery care models in Ontario, Canada. We completed 28 semi-structured interviews with midwives, other healthcare providers, healthcare administrators and policy makers. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and then coded u

SUBMITTER: Darling EK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11980165 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature