BACKGROUND:
World Health Organization recommends continuity of care for pregnant women due to favorable outcomes such as being more likely to have a spontaneous vaginal birth and a positive birth experience. Midwifery continuity models are rare in Sweden, and few midwifery students are exposed to such models during their clinical placements. Students’ attitudes about such models are largely unknown.

OBJECTIVES:
This study explored midwifery students’ thoughts about midwifery continuity models of care and the benefits of women and midwives.

METHODS:
A qualitative study including 16 midwifery students in Sweden were interviewed in 2023. Data was analyzed by reflexive thematic content analysis according to Braun and Clark.

RESULTS:
The study explored the main theme: ‘Midwifery continuity models of care are a perfect complement for women, families, and midwives in Swedish maternity care’. The main theme was described by the following themes: Increased knowledge of midwifery continuity of care would strengthen the interest; Working in a midwifery continuity model of care should be based on midwives’ preference; and Convincing evidence of midwifery continuity of care for women.

CONCLUSIONS:
The study emphasized the importance of offering women and midwives the opportunity to be part of a midwifery continuity care model, and continuity care was viewed as the future model of care.

KEY MESSAGE:
Midwifery students wanted better conditions for women in maternity care and a sustainable way of working for midwives. Poster session 3 (Group B)