The perceived impact of a student-led domiciliary midwifery care on patient-centered care: A mixed methods inquiry into postnatal mothers’ experiences
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Date
2026-02-09
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
Background
Domiciliary midwifery care focuses on providing pregnancy, labor, and postpartum care in women’s homes rather than in health facilities, yet this model of care remains underexplored in Uganda.
Purpose
To examine the experiences of postnatal mothers with a student-led domiciliary midwifery care and its influence on patient-centered care.
Materials and Methods
We conducted a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design among postnatal mothers who had received student-led domiciliary midwifery care. Quantitative data were collected using a patient-centered care (PCC) scale, while qualitative data were collected using in-depth interview. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis based on the PCC constructs, while quantitative data were summarized using descriptive statistics.
Results
Mothers experienced moderate levels of PCC after completing the student-led domiciliary midwifery care (Mean 3.46 ± 0.704) and were satisfied with the care provided (Mean 4.19 ± 0.804). Respect for patients’ preferences, values, and needs scored highest among the PCC constructs (Mean 4.03 ± 0.94), whereas continuity and transition of care scored lowest (Mean 2.92 ± 1.06). Client’s experience of domiciliary care was shaped by skepticism toward new model of care, the familiarity of home setting versus hospital settings, and care provided by male students.
Conclusion
Student-led domiciliary midwifery care had a moderate effect on PCC, with most postnatal women satisfied with the care. The Findings highlight the need to raise community awareness about domiciliary midwifery and the importance of integrating mothers’ experiences into curriculum design.
Description
This research explores how home-based midwifery services provided by students shape the experiences and satisfaction of new mothers, revealing that student-led care in the home setting leads to greater respect for mothers’ preferences and improves overall satisfaction with postnatal care. By emphasizing the voices and lived realities of mothers, the study highlights the value of compassionate, individualized support during a critical time. Beyond individual experiences, this work advances several Sustainable Development Goals: it promotes SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) by enhancing the quality of maternal care, SDG 4 (Quality Education) by demonstrating the benefits of practical, community-based training for students, and SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by supporting women’s health and empowerment. These insights also align with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV, which prioritizes strengthening health services, improving maternal and child health, and investing in human capital as essential elements of national wellbeing and sustainable progress.
Keywords
Domiciliary midwifery care, Continuity of care, Patient-centered care, Person-centered care
Citation
Aleni, M., Epuitai, J., Akao, M. G., Ayiasi, R. M., Assusi, M. E., Andru, M., ... & Kakyo, T. A. (2026). The perceived impact of a Student-Led domiciliary midwifery care on Patient-Centered Care: A mixed methods Inquiry into postnatal Mothers’ experiences. International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences, 101022.