Evaluation of Markham-Stouffville Hospital Alongside Midwifery Unit (MSH-AMU) 

Summary 

This large evaluation of Canada’s first alongside midwifery unit (AMU) includes both qualitative and quantitative research. Previous research on alongside midwifery units suggests that they are associated with excellent clinical outcomes, decreased medical intervention during labour and delivery, and may be more cost-effective than hospital deliveries with physicians. Our comprehensive evaluation has been co-led by Dr. Beth Murray Davis and Dr. Darling.
 
            The evaluation includes:

1. examination of the implementation process for the MSH AMU and identification of factors that facilitated implementation,
2. exploration of the experiences of clients, midwives, and other health professionals,
3. exploration of how the birth environment impacts experiences,
4. comparison of the clinical outcomes before and after implementation of the AMU for both physician patients and midwifery clients, and
5. comparison of hospital costs before and after implementation of the AMU both physician patients and midwifery clients.

Project Status: 

In progress

Publications

1. Murray-Davis B, Grenier L, Mattison C, Malott A, Cameron C, Hutton EK, Darling EK. Promoting safety and role clarity among health professionals on Canada's First Alongside Midwifery Unit (AMU): A mixed methods evaluation. Midwifery. 2022; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2022.103366
2. Darling EK, Easterbrook R, Grenier L, Malott A, Murray-Davis B, Mattison C. Lessons learned from the implementation of Canada’s first alongside midwifery unit: A qualitative explanatory study. Midwifery 2021;103:103146. DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2021.103146. PMID: 34592575.