Research recommendations on continuity of care
Studies are needed that investigate the components affecting a woman’s satisfaction with her
birth experience, including her emotional and psychological wellbeing. A robust method of
assessing a woman’s satisfaction is also needed.
There should be studies carried out to investigate the effects of caseload midwifery (defined as
one midwife providing care and taking responsibility for a group of women from the antenatal,
through intrapartum to the postnatal period) on women, babies and healthcare professionals,
including cost-effectiveness and long-term outcomes.