# Exploring the Perception of Continuity of Care in Midwifery in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

## TL;DR

This study examines how midwifery-led continuity of care is perceived in Abu Dhabi and finds strong support for its implementation to improve maternal and newborn outcomes.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the feasibility and acceptance of midwifery-led continuity of care in the UAE context.

## Key findings

- 97.5% of healthcare professionals supported midwifery-led continuity of care.
- 90.9% of women preferred ongoing care from a known midwife.
- Readmission rates increased during the pandemic, indicating gaps in follow-up care.

## Abstract

Background

Continuity of care (COC) in midwifery refers to a model in which a known midwife provides ongoing support to a woman throughout her pregnancy, labor, and postpartum period. This approach is believed to enhance the overall quality of care and support positive experiences for both mothers and newborns. However, its implementation varies globally, and it is not widely adopted in some regions, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study explored the feasibility and perception of midwifery-led COC in Abu Dhabi and assessed its potential to reduce hospital readmissions.

Methodology

A concurrent, mixed-methods, triangulation design was employed. Qualitative data were gathered via semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 40 maternity care professionals. Quantitative data included surveys from 110 women and a retrospective review of 508 maternal and neonatal records. Thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo; quantitative data were analyzed with SPSS version 27 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA).

Results

Healthcare professionals expressed strong support for midwifery-led COC, with 97.5% advocating its implementation and over 75% of midwives confident in delivering community-based care. Women also favored continuity models, with 90.9% expressing a preference for ongoing care from a known midwife. Readmission data showed common causes such as jaundice, sepsis, and wound infections, many of which are preventable with early postnatal intervention. Readmission rates increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting gaps in follow-up care.

Conclusions

Midwifery-led COC is both feasible and well-received in the UAE context. Implementing community-based midwifery services could enhance maternal and newborn outcomes, reduce preventable readmissions, and increase patient satisfaction. Policymakers should prioritize regulatory reform, workforce development, and digital innovation to support COC implementation.