‘Continuity of Care Experiences’ within pre-registration midwifery education programs: A scoping review

Abstract

Background: Midwifery is based on the philosophy of woman-centred care. The continuity of care experience in pre-registration education programs exemplifies this philosophy. Wide variation in how education providers implement ‘Continuity of Care Experiences’ into their programs of study can challenge this valuable learning opportunity. Aim: To provide a comprehensive analysis of the governance and empirical evidence of knowledge, practice and enablers to support continuity of care experiences within pre-registration midwifery education. Method: A scoping review of research, policy and professional documents pertaining to the continuity of care experience in pre-registration education programs was conducted with 46 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Findings: Several factors were identified that support the implementation, facilitation and evaluation of the continuity of care experience within pre-registration midwifery education. These include: a woman-centred model of maternity care; enabling midwifery students and women to develop ‘relational continuity’; tripartite support models; optimising the sequencing of these experiences within the program and, woman-led evaluations of student performance. There was little consensus regarding the pedagogical intent and, therefore, an inability to clearly define and measure the learning outcomes of the continuity of care experience. Conclusion: In countries where the predominant model of maternity care is fragmented and not woman-centred, further research is required to understand the pedagogical intent of the continuity of care experience.