Value for Money: The impact of funding expanded midwifery care models in Canada
Summary
Midwifery services have the potential to increase cost savings and decrease the economic burden of birth on the healthcare system within Canada. The majority of midwives in Canada work in midwife-led continuity of care models which have been shown to have excellent clinical outcomes and very high levels of patient satisfaction. However, these models of care create some limitations on how midwives can contribute to sexual and reproductive healthcare.
In 2018, the province of Ontario introduced funding for alternative models of midwifery care, also known as expanded midwifery care models (EMCMs). The goal of this research project is to assess the value for money of new alternative midwifery funding mechanisms in Ontario. Our specific objectives are:
1) to analyze the value for money of a new model of intrapartum midwifery care delivery (an alongside midwifery unit),
2) to describe stakeholders’ perceptions of the value of novel alternative funding mechanisms for midwifery services, and
3) to develop and apply a cost-consequence framework to monetarize the value for money of outcomes associated with novel Canadian midwifery service delivery models aimed at improving access to high quality, appropriate perinatal care for vulnerable populations.
In 2018, the province of Ontario introduced funding for alternative models of midwifery care, also known as expanded midwifery care models (EMCMs). The goal of this research project is to assess the value for money of new alternative midwifery funding mechanisms in Ontario. Our specific objectives are:
1) to analyze the value for money of a new model of intrapartum midwifery care delivery (an alongside midwifery unit),
2) to describe stakeholders’ perceptions of the value of novel alternative funding mechanisms for midwifery services, and
3) to develop and apply a cost-consequence framework to monetarize the value for money of outcomes associated with novel Canadian midwifery service delivery models aimed at improving access to high quality, appropriate perinatal care for vulnerable populations.
Project Status:
In progress
