title: The feasibility of caseload midwifery in rural Australia: a literature review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Caseload midwifery is a continuity of care(r) model being implemented in an increasing number of Australian maternity settings. Question for review: is caseload midwifery a feasible model for introducing into the rural Australian context?
  
  
  METHODS
  Integrative literature review.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four main categories were identified and these include the evidence for caseload midwifery; applicability to the rural context; experiences of registered and student midwives and implementation of caseload midwifery models.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is evidence to support caseload midwifery and its implementation in the rural setting. However, literature to date is limited by small participant size and possible selection bias. Further research, including rural midwives' expectations and experience of caseload midwifery may lead to improved sustainability of midwifery care for rural Australian women.
authors.affiliation: Charles Sturt University, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health, Wagga Wagga Campus, Australia. ravenswoodalpacas@gmail.com
authors.forename: Melanie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Elaine
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Dietsch
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008880:Midwifery / Q000379:methods*; D018802:Patient-Centered Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*