Women's and midwives' experiences of midwifery services in China: a qualitative study informed by the Quality Maternal and Newborn Care Framework.

PROBLEM Limited evidence about service user and provider perceptions of the current status of midwifery services in China.

Background

The Quality Maternal and Newborn Care (QMNC) Framework is an internationally recognised framework for systematically evaluating perceptions of maternity care practices, service organisation, and the values of care provision. Midwifery services in China still face challenges, including insufficient continuity of care, restricted professional roles, and uneven resource allocation, underscoring an urgent need to transform midwifery services.

Aim

This study used the QMNC Framework as a lens to explore the experiences of Chinese women and midwives regarding current midwifery services, and to identify the key factors supporting or hindering the provision of high-quality midwifery care.

Methods

Qualitative descriptive study was conducted with women who had received maternity care and midwives from different maternity care settings. Data were generated through individual interviews and one focus group. Thematic analysis was used to develop preliminary findings, which were then mapped onto the QMNC Framework.

Findings

Data were collected from 21 women and 18 midwives. Four themes were identified: 'Organisation and Management', 'Midwifery Professional Practice', 'Information and Support', and 'Clinical Decisions'. Each theme included positive and negative aspects of current service provision.

Discussion

The multidimensional experience of midwifery services reflects the co-existence of positive practice and constraints, both systemic and individual deficits.

Conclusion

Positive care experiences were associated with midwifery care that more closely aligned with the principles of the QMNC Framework. The findings support greater expansion of the implementation of the Framework.