An overview of the implementation of the continuity of care model in maternal health services: A literature review

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to describe the implementation of continuity of care model in maternal health services starting from pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium.

Methods: Literature is obtained from online journal databases, namely PubMed, EBSCO, and ScienceDirect, and other related sources, systematically from 2012 to 2019.

Results: Sixteen articles on the implementation of the continuity of care model of antenatal, intranatal, and postnatal care were described by demographic characteristics, scope, and impact. Barriers and facilitators for three categories include process, communication, information and education, organization and human resources, caseload, burnout, psychological, expectation, and satisfaction.

Conclusion: The continuity of care model is useful for developing sustainability settings in all maternal health services. The practical implication is the feasibility of a midwife-led continuity of care model to avoid service dropouts. The quality of service is determined by the psychological comfort of women. Further considerations, need to include collaboration in this model.

Keywords: Continuity of care; Maternal health services.