Overview:
Midwifery models of care support natural physiological processes and employ interventions only when medically necessary, thereby reducing adverse outcomes and minimizing the financial burden of unnecessary medical procedures. Research has demonstrated the significant benefits of midwifery models of care, including a lower likelihood of unnecessary medical interventions during labour and childbirth (Renfrew, et al; 2014), reduced caesarean section rates (Sandall et al; 2024), a potential decrease in anxiety and postpartum depression (Cibralic, 2023 ), and increased rates of breastfeeding initiation, prolonged breastfeeding duration, and family planning use (Renfrew, et al; 2014). Women who undergo routine episiotomies, instrumental births, or caesarean sections, as well as those affected by postnatal depression, may experience medium- to long-term medical, psychological, social, and economic consequences (Vogel, et al ; 2024). These challenges can impact future pregnancies and jeopardize the mother-baby bond (Vogel, et al ; 2024). Promoting midwifery models of care can help mitigate these negative effects, which have profound implications for the well-being of women, families, and communities while also alleviating financial strain on already overburdened healthcare systems (Gibbons, et al; 2010). GAP IN THE LITERATURE: While substantial evidence supports midwifery-led care in reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality (WHO, 2024), obstetric-led care continues to dominate the maternity healthcare system in the local context. The integration of midwifery-led care within obstetric and medical services remains insufficiently explored. Further research is needed to explore the local midwives†TM knowledge of midwifery models of care and evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of midwifery models of care focusing on practice patterns and outcomes as perceived by midwives.

Aims and Objectives:
1. To explore the midwives knowledge on midwifery models of care. 2. To evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of midwifery models of care focusing on practice patterns and outcomes as perceived by midwives. Objectives: 1. To explore midwives’ knowledge and experiences of midwifery models of care. 2. To identify variations in practice patterns among midwives across different models of care. 3. To examine the relationship between midwifery models of care and key maternal and neonatal health outcomes. 4. To evaluate midwives’ satisfaction and professional autonomy within varying models of care.

Method:
A quantitative research approach is selected for this study. A quantitative approach allows for an objective measurement, statistical analysis, and generalizability of findings. It therefore ensures an objective and standardized evaluation of the midwives knowledge of midwifery models of care and the effectiveness of midwifery -led care. The study focuses on midwives registered with the Malta Nursing and Midwifery Council, working in both the public and private maternity care sectors in Malta and Gozo. A total of 454 midwives are eligible for participation. Midwives who are registered with the council but working abroad are not included. Sampling technqiue: purposive, non-probability sampling. Data Collection: one-time, online questionnaire. Data Analysis: IBM SPSS Statistics.

Results:
Results will be collected between the period of May-July. Analysis of the data will be followed and reviewed by end of September.

Conclusion:
The results will help gain knowledge and practice associated with midwifery models of care. Insights from the analysis could lead to more effective midwifery care practices, improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes and provide actionable insights to reshape midwifery care in Malta and Gozo.