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CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Improving care for pregnant women with disability: A research study identifying tools midwives require to provide inclusive, equitable maternity care in an Australian maternity setting
1
SWSLHD, Women’s Health Clinical Stream South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
Eur J Midwifery 2026;10(Supplement 1):A372
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Pregnant Australian women with a disability experience higher rates of medical, social and psychological complexity, yet face significant barriers in accessing coordinated, inclusive and woman-centred maternity care. Current midwifery models often lack systematic identification, individualised supports, and clinician education to meet the unique needs of this population.
OBJECTIVES:
The study aimed to identify what tools and supports midwives required to enable correct identification of pregnant women with a disability; promote inclusion and woman centeredness; provide accessibility to appropriate services; improve communication and patient engagement and formulate modifications and reasonable adjustments for pregnant women with disability.
METHODS:
The methodology used was convergent parallel mixed methods design. Phase 1 involved a qualitative approach with an aim to examine views and perception of midwives caring for pregnant women with disability. The secondary data source was quantitative and identified the number of pregnant women in South Western Sydney Local Health District who reported as having a disability in the past 5 years. Additionally 30 clinical records were randomly audited from the population sample to assess maternal and neonatal outcomes.
RESULTS:
The themes from the qualitative data included continuity of care, health equity, processes and resources, effective partnerships and training and education. The quantitative data highlighted a gap in the identification process. Other findings included an increased incidence of pre-term birth, substance use and domestic violence. In addition reasonable adjustments were rarely considered and there were zero individualised care plans or multi disciplinary team meetings.
CONCLUSIONS:
Presenting my thesis results of disability in pregnancy and highlight gaps in care for this vulnerable group of women and promote innovation and best practice for women with disability.
KEY MESSAGE:
Embedding systematic identification, dedicated models of care, multidisciplinary case reviews and targeted education equips midwives to provide safe, inclusive care for pregnant women with disability, promoting innovation, equity, and best practice in maternity care. Pregnancy - complications
Pregnant Australian women with a disability experience higher rates of medical, social and psychological complexity, yet face significant barriers in accessing coordinated, inclusive and woman-centred maternity care. Current midwifery models often lack systematic identification, individualised supports, and clinician education to meet the unique needs of this population.
OBJECTIVES:
The study aimed to identify what tools and supports midwives required to enable correct identification of pregnant women with a disability; promote inclusion and woman centeredness; provide accessibility to appropriate services; improve communication and patient engagement and formulate modifications and reasonable adjustments for pregnant women with disability.
METHODS:
The methodology used was convergent parallel mixed methods design. Phase 1 involved a qualitative approach with an aim to examine views and perception of midwives caring for pregnant women with disability. The secondary data source was quantitative and identified the number of pregnant women in South Western Sydney Local Health District who reported as having a disability in the past 5 years. Additionally 30 clinical records were randomly audited from the population sample to assess maternal and neonatal outcomes.
RESULTS:
The themes from the qualitative data included continuity of care, health equity, processes and resources, effective partnerships and training and education. The quantitative data highlighted a gap in the identification process. Other findings included an increased incidence of pre-term birth, substance use and domestic violence. In addition reasonable adjustments were rarely considered and there were zero individualised care plans or multi disciplinary team meetings.
CONCLUSIONS:
Presenting my thesis results of disability in pregnancy and highlight gaps in care for this vulnerable group of women and promote innovation and best practice for women with disability.
KEY MESSAGE:
Embedding systematic identification, dedicated models of care, multidisciplinary case reviews and targeted education equips midwives to provide safe, inclusive care for pregnant women with disability, promoting innovation, equity, and best practice in maternity care. Pregnancy - complications
| eISSN: | 2585-2906 |
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