Exploring health professionals’ and women's awareness of models of maternity care evidence

A Cochrane systematic review has shown midwife-led continuity models of care provide explicit benefits for mothers and babies compared with other models of maternity care, with a comparable level of safety. The Cochrane review has had much international impact. This study explored the local impact of the review, alongside other midwife-led care evidence and guidelines. Electronic surveys were undertaken exploring women's and health professionals' awareness of models of maternity care evidence, including midwife-led care and homebirth, and how they utilise evidence to guide their choices and practice. A low awareness of much of the available evidence was shown among the women and the professionals. There is a need for better dissemination of information to professionals as they are women's preferred source of information about the options available for place of birth and midwife-led care.