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Bradfield Z, Leefhelm E, Soh SE, Black KI, Boyle JA, Kuliukas L, Harrison C, Homer CSE, Smith RM, Skouteris H. The MidPIC study: Midwives' knowledge, perspectives and learning needs regarding preconception and interconception care. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289910. [PMID: 37943769 PMCID: PMC10635450 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Preconception and interconception care improves health outcomes of women and communities. Little is known about how prepared and willing Australian midwives are to provide preconception and interconception care. The aim of this study was to explore midwives' knowledge, perspectives and learning needs, and barriers and enablers to delivering preconception and interconception care. We conducted a cross-sectional exploratory study of midwives working in any Australian maternity setting. An online survey measured midwives' self-rated knowledge; education needs and preferences; attitudes towards pre and interconception care; and views on barriers, enablers; and, future service and workforce planning. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively and demographic characteristics (e.g., years of experience, model of care) associated with knowledge and attitudes regarding pre- and interconception care were examined using univariate logistic regression analysis. Qualitative data were captured through open-ended questions and analysed using inductive content analysis. We collected responses from (n = 338) midwives working across all models of care (full survey completion rate 96%). Most participants (n = 290; 85%) rated their overall knowledge about pre and interconception health as excellent, above average or average. Participants with over 11 years of experience were more likely to report above average to excellent knowledge (OR 3.11; 95% CI 1.09, 8.85). Online e-learning was the most preferred format for education on this topic (n = 244; 72%). Most (n = 257; 76%) reported interest in providing pre and interconception care more regularly and that this is within the midwifery scope of practice (n = 292; 87%). Low prioritisation in service planning was the most frequently selected barrier to providing preconception and interconception care, whereas continuity models and hybrid child health settings were reported as enablers of pre and interconception care provision. Findings revealed that midwives are prepared and willing to provide preconception and interconception care. Pre and post registration professional development; service and funding reform; and policy development are critical to enable Australian midwives' provision of pre and interconception care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Bradfield
- School of Nursing, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Women and Newborn Health Service, Subiaco, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Emily Leefhelm
- School of Nursing, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sze-Ee Soh
- School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kirsten I. Black
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jacqueline A. Boyle
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lesley Kuliukas
- School of Nursing, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Cheryce Harrison
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | - Helen Skouteris
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Warwick Business School, Warwick University, Coventry, United Kingdom
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Withanage NN, Botfield JR, Black KI, Mazza D. Improving the provision of preconception care in Australian general practice through task-sharing with practice nurses. Aust J Prim Health 2023; 29:217-221. [PMID: 36529180 DOI: 10.1071/py22161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Preconception care (PCC) is effective in reducing modifiable risk factors and optimising maternal health. Primary care services such as general practices in Australia are an appropriate setting to provide PCC. However, PCC is not routinely provided in most of these settings, and many reproductive-aged women and men are not aware of the need for PCC. In this forum article, we discuss the factors that hinder PCC provision in Australian general practices and make recommendations on how access to PCC services can be broadened in Australia, including the potential opportunity for general practice nurses to contribute to the provision of PCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishadi N Withanage
- SPHERE NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence, Department of General Practice, Monash University, Vic., Australia; and Department of General Practice, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Jessica R Botfield
- SPHERE NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence, Department of General Practice, Monash University, Vic., Australia; and Department of General Practice, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Kirsten I Black
- SPHERE NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence, Department of General Practice, Monash University, Vic., Australia; and University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Danielle Mazza
- SPHERE NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence, Department of General Practice, Monash University, Vic., Australia; and Department of General Practice, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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Hill B, Savaglio M, Blewitt C, Ahuja K, Kandel P, Madden S, Hills AP, Skouteris H. Preconception Health in the Workplace: An Opportunity to Support Equitable Access to Education. Semin Reprod Med 2022; 40:199-204. [PMID: 35760313 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1750132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Preconception health is a key determinant of pregnancy and offspring outcomes, but challenges reaching people during preconception are frequently cited by health professionals. This article highlights the workplace as an important setting for promoting equitable access to preconception health-related information and education to support optimal well-being before pregnancy. Workplaces can support equitable access to education and knowledge for preconception health: (1) due to the high engagement of reproductive-age women in the workforce and (2) by reaching vulnerable or high-risk population groups who may otherwise face barriers to accessing preconception health information. Literature that explicitly investigates workplace delivery of preconception health promotion programs is scarce. However, workplace health promotion more broadly is associated with improved corporate competitiveness, productivity, and strengthened employee-employer relationships. Workplace health promotion activities may also address social determinants of health and improve employee well-being outcomes. The opportunity for workplaces to benefit from an increase in the bottom line makes workplace health promotion programs more attractive, but organizational support and stakeholder engagement are needed to facilitate the design and delivery of successful workplace preconception health education programs. Such programs have the potential to facilitate health gains for women and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briony Hill
- Health and Social Care Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Melissa Savaglio
- Health and Social Care Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Claire Blewitt
- Health and Social Care Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kiran Ahuja
- School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Pragya Kandel
- Health and Social Care Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Seonad Madden
- School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Andrew P Hills
- School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Helen Skouteris
- Health and Social Care Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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