The Continuity of Care Experience in Australian midwifery education - Where are we heading now?

Problem or background: The Continuity of Care Experience (CoCE) is a mandated practice-based learning model for all pre-registration midwifery students in Australia. Evidence confirming the value of the learning experience continues to grow, and recommendations for improving the learning model have yet to be addressed using a standardised approach. Aim: This integrative review provides an updated synthesis of the literature detailing the outcomes of the CoCE as an educational model since a previous review published in 2017. Methods: This updated review replicated the methods used in the original review, including the search strategy, screening, extraction, and synthesis of newly identified studies. The results were synthesised to determine alignment with previous themes and identify emerging themes relevant to the midwifery student CoCE. Findings: Since the original search, 29 additional publications were identified. The themes were consistent with the original review, with the addition of two new themes with five sub-themes, including clarifying the value of CoCE and recommendations to optimise learning. Discussion: The CoCE's value is increasingly recognised as a critical inclusion in midwifery curricula. Adopting a coordinated approach to integrate the CoCE into core curriculum design, prioritising practice-based learning, and adopting standardised learning objectives and outcomes will overcome challenges and optimise the learning. Conclusion: This updated review confirmed that the CoCE is a unique and valuable learning model that fosters woman-centred care. Implementing the key recommendations from internationally published research can significantly enhance midwifery education and prepare a future workforce capable of providing woman-centred care to improve women's outcomes.