What is a model of care?

A model of care describes how health services are organised and delivered. It provides a framework that explains how a health service operates, including how clinical care is provided, the policies that guide it, and the business practices that support safe, effective and person-centred care.

A model of care details:

• who provides the care
• what care is delivered
• where care happens
• when it is provided
• how all parts of the health system work together

A model of care should also detail how care is provided to meet the needs of the specific groups of people it serves.

Models of care are developed using the best available evidence and aim to make health services consistent, safe and efficient. They help ensure that people receive care that is appropriate for their needs, based on proven approaches rather than opinion-based decisions.

They also describe how different parts of the health system, like hospitals, general practices and community services, link together to provide continuous and coordinated care.

By outlining clear processes, roles and standards, models of care support healthcare professionals to deliver safe, high-quality and person-centred services that align with national and state health priorities.

Learn more about informed consent and shared decision making.

What models of care are available in Australia?

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare classifies maternity models of care into 11 major categories based on who provides care, where it is provided and how it is organised.

Most maternity models of care in Australia fall into one of the following 4 model categories.

Public hospital maternity care

In this model, most pregnancy (antenatal) care happens at hospital outpatient clinics. These clinics may be located at the hospital or run as outreach services in the community. Care is usually provided by midwives and doctors, and sometimes by a wider healthcare team, such as physiotherapists or social workers.

This is the most widely used model of maternity care in Australia. It covers a range of approaches — from midwife-led care for people with low-risk pregnancies to obstetrician-led care for those who have medical or pregnancy-related risk factors, such as pre-eclampsia.

Labour and birth (intrapartum care) usually take place in hospital, with midwives and doctors working together to support a safe birth. After birth (postnatal care), midwives and doctors continue to provide care in hospital. Some follow-up care may also be offered at home or in the community by hospital midwives.

Shared care

In a shared care model, pregnancy (antenatal) care is provided by both a community healthcare professional and hospital staff working together. This means your care is shared between your local doctor and/or midwife and the hospital’s maternity team under an agreed plan.

Antenatal visits can take place either in the community (for example, at your GP clinic or midwifery practice) or at hospital outpatient clinics. The schedule of appointments is usually agreed upon in advance so everyone involved knows who will provide each stage of care.

Labour and birth (intrapartum care) usually happen in hospital, with midwives and doctors providing care. In some cases — especially in rural or regional areas — your community doctor or midwife may also be involved.

After the birth, early postnatal care is typically provided in hospital by midwives and doctors, with ongoing support sometimes continuing in the community.

Midwifery group practice

In this model, you receive pregnancy, birth and postnatal care from a known midwife throughout your maternity journey. This midwife is your main care provider, supported by a small team of backup midwives who step in if needed.

Care is publicly funded and focuses on 'continuity of care' — meaning you are looked after by the same midwife or small team from early pregnancy until after your baby is born.

Antenatal and postnatal appointments may take place in hospital, in the community or at home. Labour and birth (intrapartum care) usually happen in a hospital, birth centre or sometimes at home, depending on your circumstances and local services.

If any medical concerns or risk factors arise, your midwife works closely with doctors and other specialists to make sure you receive the care you need.

Private obstetrician (specialist) care

In this model, your pregnancy (antenatal) care is provided by a private specialist obstetrician. You usually see the same obstetrician throughout your pregnancy, birth and after your baby is born, giving you continuity of care.

Labour and birth (intrapartum care) take place in a private or public hospital, where your obstetrician works with hospital midwives to support you during birth.

After the birth (postnatal care), your obstetrician and hospital midwives continue to provide care while you are in hospital. In some cases, midwifery care may also continue at home, or in a hotel or hostel associated with the hospital.

This model suits people who prefer to have their care managed by a private specialist and want the same doctor to oversee all stages of their maternity care.

Other maternity care models

Examples of other Australian maternity care models are in the table below.

Examples of other maternity care models available in Australia

Model category	Key features	Who might choose this model of care?
Public hospital high risk maternity care	Care in a public hospital led by specialist obstetricians or maternal–fetal medicine specialists together with midwives and other clinicians, designed for medically 'high risk' or complex pregnancies.	People with complex pregnancies (for example, multiple pregnancy and previous caesarean) who need specialist care.
Private midwifery care	Care provided by a privately practising midwife (outside the usual public hospital model) offering antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care.	People choosing private midwife-led care (often low risk, seeking greater choice, sometimes home birth or birth centre settings).
General practitioner (GP) obstetrician care	Care where a GP with obstetric credentials (or GP in collaboration) provides maternity care.	People in areas where GP-led obstetric services are available (often regional or rural areas).
Combined care	A model combining different provider types or arrangements (for example, joint obstetrician and midwife care) under a defined schedule.	People whose care is shared between different provider types in a non-standard model (for example, midwife and obstetrician).
Remote area maternity care	Models designed for people in rural or remote locations, often involving relocation before labour to a larger town or city with birth facilities.	People in regional, rural or remote areas where birth services are limited, sometimes requiring relocation for birth.
Team midwifery care	A model where antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care is provided by a team of midwives (rather than a named midwife), offering less continuity of care.	People accessing midwife-led services that use team-based care, often in hospitals or birth centres.
Private obstetrician and privately practising midwife joint care	A joint model where a private obstetrician and a privately practising midwife work together in care through pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.	People who choose a combined private midwife and specialist obstetrician arrangement (often for personalised care with medical backup).

How do I choose which model of care is right for me?

Choosing the right maternity model of care depends on your personal preferences, cultural needs and where you live. Think about the type of care that feels right for you — for example, if you would like to see the same care provider throughout pregnancy and birth, or prefer to work with a team of healthcare professionals.

Your cultural background and values are also important. Some maternity services are designed to offer culturally safe and supportive care for specific groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Availability and location can also influence your choices. Not every model is offered everywhere, and in some regional or remote areas you may need to travel to access certain types of care or birthing facilities.

GLOSSARY OF PREGNANCY AND LABOUR — Glossary of common terms and abbreviations used by health professionals in pregnancy and labour.

Who can I speak to for advice on choosing a model of care?

Choosing a maternity-model can be difficult.

Talking through your preferences with one or more of these professionals will help you understand what is available locally and which model might suit you best:

• Your GP or family doctor — they can explain the different models of care, discuss what’s available in your area and refer you to services that meet your needs.
• A midwife or maternity care coordinator — they can outline which models are offered in your local area, explain any eligibility criteria, and help match your personal and healthcare preferences with the right care model.
• Consumer organisations — they provide easy-to-understand information and comparisons of different models of care to help you make informed choices.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

Resources and support

The Australian Government has a range of pregnancy information resources, including brochures and a fact sheet on types of pregnancy care.

Maternity Choices Australia is a national organisation that advocates for best practice, person-centred maternity care through information sharing, advocacy and support.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

• Birthing on Country supports culturally safe, community-led maternity care for First Nations families.
• Find an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) near you.

Languages other than English

• The Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health offers a library of pregnancy, birth and postpartum resources in many languages.
• Monash Health has health information translated into many languages, including pregnancy-care topics.

Information for sexually and gender-diverse families

• Rainbow Health Australia has a library of practical resources on services for LGBTIQ+ and gender-diverse families.
• QLife is a free, national phone and webchat service that provides anonymous peer support and referrals for LGBTIQ+ people and their families.