Midwives experience of working with maternity assistants: A qualitative study

Introduction: The midwifery workforce is essential for delivering safe, high-quality maternity care, however, global staffing shortages pose significant challenges. To address these issues, incorporating midwifery assistants, including undergraduate midwifery students into the model of care has been proposed as a strategy to support midwives and maintain effective service delivery. Aim: This study explores the Registered Midwives' experiences working with Midwifery Assistants (MAs) in an Australian tertiary maternity service. Methods: This study employed a qualitative exploratory design and was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 9 midwives who had experienced working with MAs in the tertiary maternity care setting. Results: The discussion highlighted three main themes from the experiences of these midwives working with MAs in tertiary maternity settings. Firstly, all types of MAs are valuable, though their scope of practice and initial knowledge base vary. Secondly, MAs enable midwives to focus on midwifery care, though their potential could be expanded. Finally, undergraduate midwifery student working as MAs gain valuable professional experience, benefiting both themselves and the midwives they assist, despite concerns about role blurring. Discussion: Midwives are essential in maternal and newborn care, however, declining numbers in Australia, result in maternity care models needing review. Maternity assistants can be integrated into care models, providing vital support. While MAs help midwives focus on clinical tasks, role blurring, and limited numbers can be challenges. Expanding MA roles, especially for midwifery students, may enhance care quality and reduce midwives' workload.