Western Obstetrics is pleased to share that our team members Dr Stuart Prosser (GPO) and Sharon Perrella (Lactation Consultant) took part in this important study published in the Journal of Patient Experience on 11 April 2022. The study evaluated a new, team-based maternity care model for women of low obstetric risk, led by GPOs and midwives throughout the pregnancy journey.
Why this matters
When you’re expecting and considered low-risk, access to personalised, coordinated care can make all the difference. This study reviewed a team-based care model featuring general practitioners with obstetric training (GPOs) alongside midwives, designed to provide seamless support throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
How the study worked
Women under this care model who gave birth in 2020 were invited to complete an online survey.
They rated their satisfaction across three key stages: pregnancy care, hospital stay, and postpartum support, and had the opportunity to leave comments.
Who responded?
Out of 162 women invited, 81 participated, about a 50% response rate.
The average age was approximately 33 years (± 3.9), and 59% were first-time mothers (primiparous).
What did they say?
- Pregnancy care: 91% were very satisfied
- Hospital stay: fewer than 50% were very satisfied
- Postpartum care: 85% were very satisfied
What stood out – comments from the women
Participants especially appreciated the emotional support and the time spent discussing their concerns during appointments, a combination that contributed to their high satisfaction with this model.
The full publication is available here:
Read the article on PubMed