Countries face challenges in maternal and newborn care (MNC) regarding costs, workforce and sustainability. Organising integrated care is increasingly seen as a way to address these challenges. The evidence on the optimal organisation of integrated MNC in order to improve outcomes is limited.

(1) To study associations between organisational elements of integrated care and maternal and neonatal health outcomes, experiences of women and professionals, healthcare costs and care processes and (2) to examine how the different dimensions of integrated care, as defined by the Rainbow Model of Integrated Care, are reflected in the literature addressing these organisational elements.

We included 288 papers and identified 23 organisational elements, grouped into 6 categories: personal continuity of care; interventions to improve interdisciplinary collaboration and coordination; care by a midwife; alternative payment models (non-fee-for-service); place of birth outside the obstetric unit and woman-centred care. Personal continuity, care by a midwife and births outside obstetric units were most consistently associated with improved maternal and newborn outcomes, positive experiences for women and professionals and potential cost savings, particularly where well-coordinated multidisciplinary care was established. Positive professional experiences of collaboration depended on clear roles, mutual trust and respectful interdisciplinary behaviour. Evidence on collaboration interventions and alternative payment models was inconclusive. Most studies emphasised clinical and professional aspects rather than organisational integration, with implementation barriers linked to prevailing biomedical system orientations.

Although the literature provides substantial evidence of organisational elements that contribute to improved outcomes, a significant gap remains in understanding how to overcome the barriers in sustainable implementation of these elements within healthcare systems. Interpreted through a systems and transition science lens, these findings suggest that strengthening integrated maternity care requires system-level changes aligning with WHO policy directions towards midwifery models of person-centred care.

The behaviour of tumour metastases and the different responses to therapies are still not fully understood. The project ‘targeted autopsies’ of the Universities of Regensburg and Erlangen aimed to further uncover the metastatic behaviour of malignant tumours by scientifically processing different tumour samples. To initiate such a programme, the concerns of all possible stakeholders must be analysed so that the programme can be set up accordingly and the highest possible level of approval can be achieved.

This study investigated the basic attitude toward a targeted autopsy programme for patients with tumours and possible criteria for such a programme using qualitative interviews. Focus group discussions were held to explore the opinions and views regarding ethical aspects of various professional groups (experts) involved in this project. An interview guideline was prepared beforehand by the supervising project group. Semistructured interviews were conducted, transcribed and analysed through qualitative content analysis according to Mayring.

University of Regensburg, Germany and cooperating medical partners.

Altogether, 15 experts were interviewed. The experts described the project as interesting and feasible. They assumed a sufficient participation rate in this autopsy programme from the population; however, they recommend giving importance to providing sufficient and professional education to all persons involved. Preserving the dignity of the donor and providing appropriate care for relatives is of great importance. Good organisation is considered imperative for the success of the project.

Generally, experts favour the implementation of a targeted autopsy programme. However, some hurdles must be overcome. Challenges similar to those in general or rapid autopsy and organ donation programmes exist, such as donor recruitment, staffing shortages and financial constraints. People involved must be well informed before the project.