04 Implementing Midwifery Antenatal Postnatal Services (MAPS) to retain midwives and improve access to continuity of care

Speakers:- Vidanka Vasilevski & Linda Sweet

Facilitators:- Kristy Watson

Abstract:- Background: Research suggests one-third of Australian midwives are considering leaving the workforce due to burnout, or low job satisfaction. Urgent investment in models that retain midwives and sustain services is needed. Midwifery continuity-of-care models improve clinical outcomes, care satisfaction, and midwife work satisfaction, yet many midwives avoid working in them due to on-call demands. Midwifery Antenatal and Postnatal Services (MAPS) are modified continuity models that offer greater work flexibility and do not require on-call availability. MAPS are expanding across Australia, yet little is known about factors supporting their implementation.

 Methods: A descriptive qualitative study using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was undertaken. Participants were purposively sampled based on experience of planning or implementing a MAPS model. Interviews with 17 midwifery leaders and clinicians were conducted between October 2024-June 2025. Deductive analysis using the CFIR was used to determine facilitators and barriers for implementation. 

 Results: Key facilitators for MAPS implementation included employing a dedicated midwife implementation manager, community demand for continuity models, midwife and stakeholder buy-in, and supportive clinical leaders and executive teams. Barriers included limited knowledge of midwifery continuity-of-care models among service leaders, as well as inadequate infrastructure to support implementation and service delivery.

 Conclusions: Effective MAPS model implementation requires informed and supportive leadership, dedicated teams, and appropriate resources to ensure models meet the needs of women, midwives, and maternity services. Successful MAPS implementation has the potential to improve midwife job satisfaction and provide equitable access to continuity-of-care, supporting workforce retention and sustainability of high-quality maternity services.

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Recording TBA