Mapping perinatal health interventions for improving perinatal outcomes in Australia: A scoping review.

OBJECTIVES

To synthesise existing evidence on perinatal health interventions implemented in Australia to improve perinatal outcomes.

STUDY

DESIGN

Scoping review.

METHODS

The scoping review followed Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework, refined by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), and was reported in accordance with the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews checklist. A systematic search was undertaken in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL for literature published from 01 January 2000 to 30 September 2025, supplemented by grey literature. Structured programs, models of care, and policy initiatives aimed at improving perinatal health outcomes in Australia were included and synthesised narratively.

RESULTS

Of the 3649 records identified from five databases and grey literature, 59 studies were included. Observational cohort designs were the most common (18; 30.5%). Most studies (31; 52.5%) were conducted in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland, and a few (8; 13.6%) in remote settings. Midwifery continuity-of-care models were the most frequent interventions (16; 27.1%), followed by clinical and biomedical risk-targeted interventions (15; 25.4%). Preterm birth (12; 20.3%) was the most reported outcome. In 52.5% of studies, authors reported improvements in maternal and neonatal outcomes. Only (23; 39%) studies were specifically targeted at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Implementation and sustainability plans were reported in (30: 50.8%) studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Continuity models of care and risk-targeted interventions were associated with improved perinatal outcomes. However, most evidence comes from metropolitan settings; evidence from remote areas, where the burden is greatest, remains uncertain. Equitable progress will require culturally appropriate and community-led models of care in regions of greatest need.