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CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Meeting the challenge: Caseload midwifery as a workforce strategy in rural South Australia
1
Australian Catholic University, School of Nursing- Midwifery and Paramedicine, Melbourne, Australia
2
University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Sciences Unit, Adelaide, Australia
3
University of South Australia, Rosemary Bryant AO Research Centre., Adelaide, Australia
Eur J Midwifery 2026;10(Supplement 1):A374
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Globally, the midwifery workforce is in crisis and change is needed, particularly to scale up midwifery continuity of care models. In Australia, rural and regional birthing sites have closed due to workforce shortages, recruitment and retention challenges, alongside costs of service delivery. In response, two rural health services introduced regional caseload midwifery models of care.
OBJECTIVES:
To evaluate midwives’ acceptability of working in a rural midwifery caseload model of care in two regional areas.
METHODS:
An anonymous survey was distributed to midwives using validated questions from the Perceptions of Empowerment in Midwifery Scale, Practice Environment Scale and components of the Quality Maternal and Newborn Care Framework. Ethics approval gained.
RESULTS:
Midwives (n=33/44) from both regions completed the survey. Most midwives (78.8%) felt prepared to work in a regional caseload model, despite limited prior experience. Practice challenges included limited clinical backup and travel distances. Results indicated moderate-high empowerment and good midwife-doctor collaboration. Work-life balance satisfaction was moderate-high for most. Midwives believed the model provided care promoting normality and strengthening women’s capabilities. New graduate midwives supported by transition programs and supervised roles, demonstrated strong retention.
CONCLUSIONS:
Midwives felt prepared and found the role both satisfying and sustainable. They experienced a high level of empowerment and established effective relationships with women and doctors. Midwives were positive about the model despite facing regional challenges.
KEY MESSAGE:
Caseload midwifery models are acceptable and sustainable for midwives in rural and regional areas, even for those with limited prior experience, offering a viable solution to maternity workforce shortages. Midwives reported high levels of empowerment and collaboration, along with moderate to high satisfaction with work-life balance, indicating strong professional support within the model. Structured transition support for new graduates and strategic workforce planning are critical to the success and long-term sustainability of rural midwifery continuity of care models. Workforce - MMOC
Globally, the midwifery workforce is in crisis and change is needed, particularly to scale up midwifery continuity of care models. In Australia, rural and regional birthing sites have closed due to workforce shortages, recruitment and retention challenges, alongside costs of service delivery. In response, two rural health services introduced regional caseload midwifery models of care.
OBJECTIVES:
To evaluate midwives’ acceptability of working in a rural midwifery caseload model of care in two regional areas.
METHODS:
An anonymous survey was distributed to midwives using validated questions from the Perceptions of Empowerment in Midwifery Scale, Practice Environment Scale and components of the Quality Maternal and Newborn Care Framework. Ethics approval gained.
RESULTS:
Midwives (n=33/44) from both regions completed the survey. Most midwives (78.8%) felt prepared to work in a regional caseload model, despite limited prior experience. Practice challenges included limited clinical backup and travel distances. Results indicated moderate-high empowerment and good midwife-doctor collaboration. Work-life balance satisfaction was moderate-high for most. Midwives believed the model provided care promoting normality and strengthening women’s capabilities. New graduate midwives supported by transition programs and supervised roles, demonstrated strong retention.
CONCLUSIONS:
Midwives felt prepared and found the role both satisfying and sustainable. They experienced a high level of empowerment and established effective relationships with women and doctors. Midwives were positive about the model despite facing regional challenges.
KEY MESSAGE:
Caseload midwifery models are acceptable and sustainable for midwives in rural and regional areas, even for those with limited prior experience, offering a viable solution to maternity workforce shortages. Midwives reported high levels of empowerment and collaboration, along with moderate to high satisfaction with work-life balance, indicating strong professional support within the model. Structured transition support for new graduates and strategic workforce planning are critical to the success and long-term sustainability of rural midwifery continuity of care models. Workforce - MMOC
| eISSN: | 2585-2906 |
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