A Comparative Study of Maternity Care Service Models among Selected Developed Countries and Iran

Abstract

Over half a million women die each year during pregnancy, delivery or shortly thereafter. Improving the health of mothers and providing quality for reproductive health services are pivotal to addressing many underlying causes of child mortality. The aim of this study was to understand some gaps in Iran maternity service and suggest ways to resolve them. This was a descriptive - comparative and applied research about maternity care service models in Iran and three selected developed countries. The following issues are considered in current study: maternal services package, maternity care models (staffs and location of service delivery) .These selected developed countries in current study were Australia, England and Japan. In all developed countries maternity service models are various and maternity service insurance is complete. They have home care and home delivery and comprehensive package for all maternity needs in prenatal, delivery and post-partum either somatic or emotional needs. According to these results, it was concluded that models of maternity services in Iran were different from developed countries. Iran for reaching to best maternity care goals should develop maternity service models and in this way, it should support midwifes practice and insurance coverage of all maternity care and develop maternity services models proportional with cultural background. Finally, partner participation seems necessary in Iran.