Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran;
2
Reproductive Health Promotion Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran;
3
Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran;
4
Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran;
5
Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran;
6
Department of Midwifery, Reproductive Health Promotion Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
10.30476/ijcbnm.2026.106007.2735
Abstract
Background: The integrated continuous team midwifery care model (ICTMC) is characterized by the
provision of comprehensive, individualized care throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum
period. A lack of continuity and collaboration may limit the traditional model of midwifery care
currently dominant in Iran. Understanding the perspectives of both mothers and midwives, helps
evaluate the effectiveness of team-based midwifery care. This study aimed to explore women’s and
midwives’ perspectives on the ICTMC in Iran.
Methods: This conventional content analysis was conducted on 16 mothers and 12 midwives who
participated in continuous midwifery care in government health centers in Kashan, Iran, from
December 2023 to April 2024. The participants were selected through a purposive sampling method.
In this study, in-depth semi-structured individual interviews were used. Interviews continued until
data saturation. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim in Persian and analyzed using
the Graneheim and Lundman method and MAXQDA (2020) software. The rigor of the research was
ensured using Lincoln and Guba’s criteria.
Results: From the data analysis, twenty-eight sub-subcategories, eleven sub-categories, three categories,
and one theme emerged. The main theme of this study was “comprehensive, continuous, and up-todate
obstetrics care” with three main categories: “excellence-oriented midwifery care”, “bridging
the gap in midwifery care from pregnancy to postpartum”, and “making pregnancy, childbirth, and
postpartum a pleasant experience».
Conclusions: ICTMC can redefine the standards of midwifery care and improve its quality. Integrating
this model into the current healthcare system is crucial for the future of maternity services and the
health of mothers and infants.
Keywords
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