The effectiveness of an integrated continuous team midwifery care model on the quality of antenatal care in Iran’s health system: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background and aims

In maternity care, high quality prenatal care is essential for both women and babies. Continuity and coordination of midwifery care are very crucial in improving the quality of care. The present study investigated the effectiveness of an integrated continuous team midwifery care model (ICTMC) on the quality of antenatal care in Iran’s health system.

Methods

This randomized controlled trial included 200 low-risk nulliparous women selected from governmental health centers in Kashan, Iran during 2023–2024. The women were randomized into two groups, with block sizes of four and six, maintaining a 1:1 allocation ratio. A dedicated team of midwives offered continuous care throughout the gestation, labor and parturition periods plus postnatal care (6 weeks after birth) for the women in the intervention group. The control group, on the other hand, received standard care from various midwives during the same periods. A demographic questionnaire, and the Quality of Prenatal Care Questionnaire were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in STATA-17

Results

The ICTMC group exhibited a significantly higher mean of quality of prenatal care scores compared to the control group (158.83 ± 17.13 vs.133.51 ± 24.48, p < 0.001), and this superiority was observed in all dimensions of this scale.

Conclusion

The present study offers evidence for the benefits of ICTMC, A collaborative approach among inform policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers is recommended to facilitate the implementation of ICTMC within the Iranian healthcare system.