The perceived impact of a Student-Led domiciliary midwifery care on Patient-Centered Care: A mixed methods Inquiry into postnatal Mothers’ experiences

Background: Domiciliary midwifery care focuses on providing pregnancy, labor, and postpartum care in women’s homes rather than in health facilities, yet this model of care remains underexplored in Uganda. Purpose: To examine the experiences of postnatal mothers with a student-led domiciliary midwifery care and its influence on patient-centered care. Materials and Methods: We conducted a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design among postnatal mothers who had received student-led domiciliary midwifery care. Quantitative data were collected using a patient-centered care (PCC) scale, while qualitative data were collected using in-depth interview. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis based on the PCC constructs, while quantitative data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results: Mothers experienced moderate levels of PCC after completing the student-led domiciliary midwifery care (Mean 3.46 ± 0.704) and were satisfied with the care provided (Mean 4.19 ± 0.804). Respect for patients’ preferences, values, and needs scored highest among the PCC constructs (Mean 4.03 ± 0.94), whereas continuity and transition of care scored lowest (Mean 2.92 ± 1.06). Client’s experience of domiciliary care was shaped by skepticism toward new model of care, the familiarity of home setting versus hospital settings, and care provided by male students. Conclusion: Student-led domiciliary midwifery care had a moderate effect on PCC, with most postnatal women satisfied with the care. The Findings highlight the need to raise community awareness about domiciliary midwifery and the importance of integrating mothers’ experiences into curriculum design.