19 Midwifery practice in perinatal palliative care: a scoping review and conceptual framework

Speaker:- Cristina Lumia 

Facilitator:- Celine Lemay ,

Abstract:- Background

 Perinatal palliative care (PPC) is a family-centred, multidisciplinary approach that supports families facing life-limiting or uncertain fetal and neonatal conditions. While midwives are well positioned to contribute to these care pathways, their specific competencies and roles within PPC remain insufficiently defined in the literature.

 Aim

 To map existing evidence on midwives’ roles and competencies in perinatal palliative care and explore how midwifery practice is integrated into PPC pathways.

 Methods

 A scoping review was conducted in accordance with Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Searches were performed across five databases and grey literature. Eligible studies explored perinatal or neonatal palliative care and included midwives within multidisciplinary teams.

 Results

 Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings highlight key domains of midwifery practice aligned with PPC principles, including communication, emotional and bereavement support, birth planning, breastfeeding counselling, and continuity of care. However, midwives’ contributions were often under-recognised, and limited formal training or structured role definitions were reported.

 Conclusions

 Midwives possess professional and relational competencies that align closely with the principles of perinatal palliative care. Strengthening recognition, education and integration of midwifery within PPC pathways is essential to promote equitable, rights-based and family-centred care for all families.

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