Midwifery continuity: The use of social media

- This is the first study that focuses on midwifery continuity being achieved using social media.
- Relational continuity can be achieved using social media and is positive for both mothers and midwives
- A lack of face to face interaction does not negatively affect the development of relationships between midwives and mothers.
- A high level of relational satisfaction can be achieved through regular online contact.
- Information continuity can be achieved using social media based interactions

BackgroundContinuity models of midwifery care improve women's experiences of care and clinical outcomes, but organisationally driven working practices do not facilitate a continuity model and the midwifery care received by most women is fragmented (Sandall et al., 2016, NHS England, 2016). Little is known about the potential for continuity of midwifery care to be achieved using an electronic platform. This paper examines the experiences of women accessing known midwives through a social media platform and their experiences and perception of continuity of care.MethodsThe study forms part of a larger research project aiming to increase understanding about online social learning within professionally moderated social media based communities. This paper reports specifically the concept of midwifery continuity within the online communities. Two secret Facebook groups consisting of 31 mothers and 4 midwife moderators were created (17 mothers & 2 midwives / 14 mothers & 2 midwives). Primary data included 8 online and face to face focus groups, conducted at approximately 10 week intervals, and 28 individual one to one interviews with members of the online community within six weeks of giving birth.Data analysisA thematic analysis using a priori themes was undertaken. This involved coding data which evidenced relational, informational and management continuity across the entire dataset (28 interviews and 8 focus groups). The analysis was undertaken broadly following the six stages described by Braun and Clarke (2006).FindingsRelational and informational continuity were identified across the data. Relational continuity was evident for both the participants and the midwife moderators; informational continuity was described by the participants. Management continuity was not identified. Continuity through social media use was valued by both the mothers and the midwives.ConclusionInformation and relational continuity needs of women can be met using professionally moderated, social media based groups. They may provide an alternative means of facilitating the continuity that is so often lacking in traditional models of care.