
Dr Elysse Prussing
Lecturer Midwifery - Manning Ed Centre
School of Nursing and Midwifery
- Email:elysse.prussing@newcastle.edu.au
- Phone:(02) 4921 7333
Career Summary
Biography
The purpose of Elysse’s PhD studies was to understand how to make the best possible midwifery services available to all women, particularly those in under serviced rural areas. This qualitative work led to engagement with national midwifery leaders and has been central to significant changes in access to midwifery services and has directly influenced policy and the research agenda. Through presenting her findings at the Australian College of Midwives national conference Elysse was invited by the ministerial midwifery advisor of NSW, to present her findings regarding how to improve access to midwifery continuity of care services for all women to a state-wide antenatal and postnatal (MAPS) community of practice. Subsequently, Elysse has established a collaboration with experts across three universities (University of Newcastle, Southern Cross University and Charles Darwin University), policymakers from the Agency for Clinical Innovation and NSW Health, and industry partners via the Mid North Coast Local Health District. Based on her PhD findings and connections, new midwifery continuity of care services have now been implemented in the Mid North Coast and local women have access to midwifery-led models based on the highest level of evidence. The preliminary findings of this subsequent work demonstrate that women have a safer birth and feel more empowered than under previous service models.
Her PhD journey enabled her to become a high achieving early career researcher with several grant applications submitted to advance her work in other settings. The opportunities afforded to Elysse through the PhD have led to recognition and collaborations through a national conference, influence with state-level policymakers and safer midwifery-led continuity of care, that are also translating into competitive research funding and future international publications.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy in Midwifery, University of Newcastle
- Bachelor of Midwifery, University of Newcastle
- Bachelor of Midwifery (Honours), University of Newcastle
Keywords
- Community and Health Service Co-deisgn
- Midwifery
- Midwifery Continuity of Care
Fields of Research
Code | Description | Percentage |
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420401 | Clinical midwifery | 40 |
420503 | Community and primary care | 60 |
Professional Experience
UON Appointment
Title | Organisation / Department |
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Lecturer Midwifery - Manning Ed Centre | University of Newcastle School of Nursing and Midwifery Australia |
Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Conference (6 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | |||||
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2024 |
Cummins A, Newnham L, Lennon K, Booth C, McLaughlin K, Prussing E, 'Moving midwifery forward through implementing midwifery antenatal and postnatal services', WOMEN AND BIRTH, 37, 12-12 (2024)
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2024 |
Cummins A, Baird K, Newnham L, Prussing E, Melov S, Hilsabeck C, Pasupathy D, 'Midwives moving forward: providing continuity of care for women with perinatal mental health conditions', WOMEN AND BIRTH (2024)
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2023 |
Prussing E, De-Lore T, Tierney O, Mcleod K, Doust J, 'How to 'Be the Change': A workshop on implementing Midwifery Continuity of Care Models', WOMEN AND BIRTH (2023)
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2022 |
Prussing E, 'Translating midwifery continuity of care models in regional NSW: Women and maternity staff experiences of implementing a new service', WOMEN AND BIRTH (2022)
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Show 3 more conferences |
Journal article (7 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||||||||
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2025 |
Mollart L, Gibberd A, Prussing E, Hainsworth N, Gillett K, Cummins A, 'Are the birth outcomes from a midwifery antenatal and postnatal service (MAPS) comparable to midwifery group caseload practice: A retrospective cohort study', Women and Birth, 38 (2025) [C1] Midwifery continuity of care has demonstrated improved outcomes for mothers and babies including higher rates of spontaneous vaginal birth and more positive birth experiences, wit... [more] Midwifery continuity of care has demonstrated improved outcomes for mothers and babies including higher rates of spontaneous vaginal birth and more positive birth experiences, with health services cost savings, than non-continuity of care. However, midwives report challenges with continuity of care, such as on-call for labour/birth. Health services have responded with a new model, Midwifery Antenatal and Postnatal Service (MAPS), with care from a known midwife only during pregnancy and the early postnatal period. Women in the MAPS model have intrapartum care by rostered birth suite midwives (potentially unknown to the woman) whereas Midwifery Group Practice have a known midwife. Aim: To determine if MAPS is associated with similar perinatal outcomes for women and babies as the Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) model. Methods: A retrospective study was undertaken using de-identified routinely collected maternity data. All women who booked in and gave birth with MGP or MAPS at one hospital in New South Wales, Australia between April 2022 - April 2023. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to describe the data. Results: A total of 1303 births were analysed (MGP=349, MAPS =954). The MGP cohort were more likely to experience spontaneous labour (< 0.001) with local anaesthesia or no analgesia, vaginal births without instruments (<0.001), and exclusive breastfeeding at discharge (0.004) compared to MAPS births. Conclusion: Continuity of care with a known midwife (antenatal, labour/birth, and postnatal) was associated with less intervention and improved breastfeeding rates as supported by international literature. Future research is needed comparing MAPS to standard fragmented midwifery care.
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2024 |
Prussing E, Kinsman L, Jacob A, Doust J, Guy F, Tierney O, 'Everyone should have their own midwife: Women's and staff experiences during the implementation of two midwifery continuity of care models in regional Australia', WOMEN AND BIRTH, 37 (2024) [C1] Problem: Midwifery Continuity of Care (MCoC) remains inaccessible for most Australian women; this is especially true in rural and regional areas. Background: Strong evidence demon... [more] Problem: Midwifery Continuity of Care (MCoC) remains inaccessible for most Australian women; this is especially true in rural and regional areas. Background: Strong evidence demonstrates MCoC models improve experiences for women and their babies and are also shown to improve midwifery workforce wellbeing. However, implementation and upscale remains limited. Aim: To explore the views and experiences of implementing MCoC for both staff and women, understanding their experiences, concerns and solutions in a regional context. Methods: Qualitative data was collected via focus groups with women and healthcare staff, at six and twelve month post implementation. Data was thematically analysed using Braun and Clarke six step process. Findings: The findings support that 'women love it' and midwives working in the new MCoC model 'loved their job'. The major concern was that not all women could access the model and disconnected communication was problematic during implementation. 'Sharing stories' was a solution to overcoming these issues and promoting the positive impact of MCoC - in particular ways of working and adaption to an all-risk midwifery group practice. Discussion: This study supports widespread evidence that MCoC is valued by both women and staff. In a regional context it is important to recognise challenges faced during implementation and identifying solutions that other maternity services could consider when implementing MCoC. Conclusion: The study offers strong recommendation for regional areas to consider MGP to maintain safe, quality local maternity services.
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Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
2024 |
Hainsworth N, Mollart L, Prussing E, Clack D, Cummins A, 'Sharing midwifery philosophy through a positive learning environment prepares students for a future providing midwifery continuity of care: A mixed method study', WOMEN AND BIRTH, 37 (2024) [C1] Background: Global and national frameworks for midwifery education recognise and prioritise the provision of midwifery continuity of care. Previous studies report that learning is... [more] Background: Global and national frameworks for midwifery education recognise and prioritise the provision of midwifery continuity of care. Previous studies report that learning is enhanced when students have professional experience placements within these models, however there remains wide variation in midwifery students' access to placements within these models in Australia. Aim: To evaluate Bachelor of Midwifery students' experiences in midwifery continuity of care models within two local health districts in New South Wales, Australia. Method: A mixed methods design was used: qualitative data collected through interviews, and quantitative data collected via an online survey using the Midwifery Student Evaluation of Practice (MidSTEP) tool. Thematic analysis of qualitative data and descriptive analysis of quantitative data was undertaken. Results: Sixteen students responded, four students were interviewed, and 12 students completed the survey. The MidSTEP mean scores for all sub-scales rated above 3.0/4.0. Participants rated 'work across the full scope of midwifery practice' and five out of eight subscales of Philosophy of Midwifery Practice at 100 %. 'Experiences prepare me to be a change agent for maternity service reform' rated the lowest (67 %). Three qualitative themes emerged: care versus carer model; learning experience; and future career as a caseload midwife. Conclusion: A mixed method approach using a validated tool to measure student experiences, contributes to the evidence that students value professional experience placements within midwifery continuity of care models. Currently this is not an option for all midwifery students and as midwifery continuity of care models expand, these findings will inform further implementation of student professional experience placement within these models.
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2024 |
Cummins A, Booth C, Lennon K, Mclaughlin K, Prussing E, Newnham L, '"A safe space"; A statewide evaluation of Midwifery Antenatal and Postnatal Service (MAPS) using the quality maternal newborn care, evidence informed framework', WOMEN AND BIRTH, 37 (2024) [C1] Background: The World Health Organization recommends Midwifery Continuity of Care (MCoC) due to the consistent improvements in outcomes for mothers and babies. Surveys from the Un... [more] Background: The World Health Organization recommends Midwifery Continuity of Care (MCoC) due to the consistent improvements in outcomes for mothers and babies. Surveys from the United Kingdom and Australia reported large numbers of midwives are unable to commit to the on call component required to provide MCoC across the continuum. To address this challenge a modified MCoC model called Midwifery Antenatal and Postnatal Services (MAPS) has been introduced. The aim of this study was to evaluate MAPS services in six sites across one State in Australia. Methods: A multi-site qualitative descriptive study was undertaken framed by the Quality Maternal Newborn Care (QMNC) Framework. The QMNC framework was used to develop focus group questions for data collection, and as a lens for analysing data. Data were collected via focus groups from midwives and women at six sites ranging from metropolitan to regional and rural settings and thematically analysed. Findings: Participants (n=80) included women (n=28), midwives (n=44) and MAPS managers (n=8). This paper reports the findings from the women and midwives, presented under three themes: Getting onto the program, Knowing the story and Building confidence by sharing information. Each theme had subthemes and the findings were aligned either positively or negatively with the QMNC framework. Conclusion: This study found the MAPS model aligns in positive ways with the QMNC quality care framework with some recommendations to improve quality care. Midwives want to provide continuity of care and MAPS is a useful model for providing continuity through the antenatal and postnatal periods.
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Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
2024 |
Prussing E, Newnham E, Cummins A, 'The Value of Constructivist Grounded Theory in Advocating for Unheard Voices in Contemporary Maternity Research', International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 23 (2024) [C1] There is growing concern that maternity research trends have enabled the proliferation of medically orientated research methods. While this trend has helped demonstrate the safety... [more] There is growing concern that maternity research trends have enabled the proliferation of medically orientated research methods. While this trend has helped demonstrate the safety and quality of midwifery care, it has also enabled a culture of valuing medical research approaches, over more critical, creative and explorative qualitative research. Consequently, a serious imbalance exists within maternity evidence, the majority focusing on treatment of maternity complications rather than what would benefit the mainstream of low-risk women - perpetuating a culture of medically-led maternity care as the prevailing option. Constructivist grounded theory is one approach that can help address current maternity research limitations. This paper highlights capacity within its processes to ask different questions, embracing diverse ways of knowing and unpacking the importance of research remaining woman-centred. There is a need to prioritise such research approaches, raising the perspectives of maternity users and identifying what matters most to women and birthing people themselves.
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2023 |
Prussing E, Browne G, Dowse E, Hartz D, Cummins A, 'Implementing midwifery continuity of care models in regional Australia: A constructivist grounded theory study.', Women Birth, 36 99-107 (2023) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
Symon A, Mortensen B, Pripp AH, Chhugani M, Adjorlolo S, Badzi C, Kharb R, Prussing E, McFadden A, Gray NM, Cummins A, 'Validating the Quality Maternal and Newborn Care Framework Index: A Global Tool for Quality-of-Care Evaluations', BIRTH-ISSUES IN PERINATAL CARE [C1]
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Show 4 more journal articles |
Grants and Funding
Summary
Number of grants | 7 |
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Total funding | $225,175 |
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
20221 grants / $71,486
Evaluating Midwifery Antenatal and Postnatal Services (MAPS) in NSW$71,486
Funding body: NSW Ministry of Health
Funding body | NSW Ministry of Health |
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Project Team | Professor Allison Cummins, Doctor Elysse Prussing, Doctor Karen McLaughlin, Doctor Liz Newnham, Kelley Lennon, Jacqueline Cross, Naomi Ford, Helen McCarthy, Professor Maralyn Foureur |
Scheme | Prequalification Scheme: Performance and Management Services |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2022 |
Funding Finish | 2022 |
GNo | G2200175 |
Type Of Funding | C2400 – Aust StateTerritoryLocal – Other |
Category | 2400 |
UON | Y |
20212 grants / $4,902
Enabling New Graduate Midwives to transition to Belmont Birth Centre and John Hunter Hospital MGP$2,902
Funding body: UON School of Nursing and Midwifery Block Grant
Funding body | UON School of Nursing and Midwifery Block Grant |
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Project Team | Professor Allison Cummins, Dr Karen McLaughlin, Dr Katharine Gillett, Dr Jessica Wood, Belinda Meyers & Jenni Doust |
Scheme | UON School of Nursing and Midwifery Block Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2021 |
Funding Finish | 2021 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
2021 College of Health and Wellbeing Academic Support Scheme$2,000
Funding body: Univeristy of Newcastle
Funding body | Univeristy of Newcastle |
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Project Team | Dr Elysse Prusing |
Scheme | 2021 College of Health and Wellbeing Academic Support Scheme |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2021 |
Funding Finish | 2021 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20201 grants / $4,000
Faculty of Health and Medicine 2020 Pilot Grant$4,000
Funding body: 2020 Faculty Strategic Pilot Grant
Funding body | 2020 Faculty Strategic Pilot Grant |
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Project Team | Evaluating the design and implementation of Midwifery Continuity of Care models within the Mid North Coast Local Health District |
Scheme | 2020 Faculty of Health and Medicine Strategic Pilot Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2020 |
Funding Finish | 2020 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20191 grants / $50,000
Mid-North Coast Local Health District Evidence in Practice Grant Program (EVIP)$50,000
Funding body: Mid-North Coast Local Health District Evidence in Practice Grant Program (EVIP)
Funding body | Mid-North Coast Local Health District Evidence in Practice Grant Program (EVIP) |
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Scheme | Mid-North Coast Local Health District Evidence in Practice Grant Program (EVIP) |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2019 |
Funding Finish | 2020 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Other Public Sector - Local |
Category | 2OPL |
UON | N |
20181 grants / $0
MNCLHD HDR Grant recipient $0
Funding body: MNCLHD HDR Grant recipient
Funding body | MNCLHD HDR Grant recipient |
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Project Team | Dr Elysse Prussing |
Scheme | MNCLHD HDR Grant recipient |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2018 |
Funding Finish | 2019 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | External |
Category | EXTE |
UON | N |
20161 grants / $94,787
Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarships – Academic Pathway Scheme (VC Scholarships)$94,787
Funding body: Australian Government Research, Univeristy of Newcastle and Commonwealth PhD Scholarship
Funding body | Australian Government Research, Univeristy of Newcastle and Commonwealth PhD Scholarship |
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Project Team | Dr Elysse Prussing, Associate Professor Graeme Browne, Dr Eileen Dowse, Dr Amanda Wilson |
Scheme | Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarships – Academic Pathway Scheme (VC Scholarships) |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2016 |
Funding Finish | 2020 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Aust Competitive - Commonwealth |
Category | 1CS |
UON | N |
Research Supervision
Number of supervisions
Current Supervision
Commenced | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
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2024 | PhD | Professional Transition For New Graduates Outside a New Graduate Program: An Uncharted Pathway | PhD (Nursing), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
2024 | PhD | The Experiences of Midwives Working within Private Hospitals | PhD (Midwifery), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
Past Supervision
Year | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
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2024 | PhD | Facilitators and Barriers for Breastfeeding among Working Women in Saudi Arabia | PhD (Nursing), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
Dr Elysse Prussing
Position
Lecturer Midwifery - Manning Ed Centre
School of Nursing and Midwifery
College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing
Contact Details
elysse.prussing@newcastle.edu.au | |
Phone | (02) 4921 7333 |
Office
Building | Manning Education Centre |
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Location | 69A High St, Taree NSW 2430 , |