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Women's experiences of participating in a digital continuity of care model designed for fear of birth in a rural setting
Women's Health Clinic, Region Dalarna, Falun, Sweden.
Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Women's Clinic, Akademiska Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
Institution of Health & Welfare Dalarna University, Sweden; Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics & Gynecology Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Nursing. Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Institution of Health & Welfare Dalarna University, Sweden; Department of Health Science, Mid Sweden University, Sweden.
2025 (English)In: Sexual & Reproductive HealthCare, ISSN 1877-5756, E-ISSN 1877-5764, Vol. 44, article id 101081Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Background: Midwifery continuity models are highly recommended. Women with fear of birth living in rural areas might have difficulties accessing such care. Technology can play a role in enhancing contact with midwives during pregnancy and childbirth for these women.

Objective: The aim of this study was to elucidate women's experiences of participating in a digital continuity of care model designed for pregnant women with fear of birth. Methods: A qualitative interview design, employing interviews with 15 women participating in a midwifery continuity project directed towards women with fear of birth. The participants used e-health tools for communication with midwives during their pregnancy and childbirth. Reflexive thematic analysis was used.

Results: The analysis resulted in an overarching theme: ‘A digital continuity model of midwifery care for women with fear of birth in a rural area is attractive’. The model created positive outcomes in terms of sustainability and use of resources. The women reported enhanced autonomy and reduced stress. Continuity of care fostered confidence and security throughout childbirth for the women, supported by a strong relationship with their midwives. The individualised care, which addressed mental health challenges and fears stemming from past childbirth experiences, led to positive outcomes.

Conclusion: A model with continuity using digital e-health could be a solution to meet women's needs in rural areas during childbirth, who suffer from fear of birth or have mental health problems. Care models need to be tailored to regional conditions, considering factors such as midwifery availability and geographical challenges.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier, 2025. Vol. 44, article id 101081
Keywords [en]
Continuity of care, Digital health, Fear of Birth, Mental Health, Midwifery, Rural area, Sustainable Development
National Category
Nursing
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-236274DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101081ISI: 001435348000001PubMedID: 40015187Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-85218873909OAI: oai:DiVA.org:umu-236274DiVA, id: diva2:1946497
Available from: 2025-03-21 Created: 2025-03-21 Last updated: 2025-03-21Bibliographically approved

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CiteExportLink to record
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Citation style
  • apa
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