‘How can we go on caring when nobody here cares about us?’ Australian public maternity units as contested care sites

Reiger, Kerreen; Lane, Karen

doi:10.1016/j.wombi.2012.11.003

Cited by 21 publications

(22 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…Some respondents stated that medically dominated workplaces and an overall technocratic paradigm impinged on their ability to 'be a midwife'. Other studies 29,35,36 concluded that the maternity workplace has become highly technological, overtaken by policies promoting medical intervention. This tendency, and participants' perception that others did not share their philosophy, emphasises the need for shared goals and direction in a workplace culture to keep woman-centred midwifery the focus of care.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Midwifery workplace culture in Australia: A national survey of midwives

Catling

Rossiter

2020

Women and Birth

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Problem: The midwifery workforce in Australia is impacted by shortages and attrition. Workplace culture affects midwives' intentions to stay in the profession and their capacity to provide womancentred care for mothers and infants.Background: Staff attrition in maternity services often relates to midwives' workplace experiences and negative perceptions of organisational culture. Broad-based data are essential to fully understand midwifery workplace culture.Aim: This study aimed to examine Australian midwives' perceptions of workplace culture, using a specifically developed instrument. Methods:A national online survey of Australian midwives, within a wider project on maternity workplace culture. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis.Findings: Overall, 322 eligible midwives rated workplace culture and 150 provided further qualitative responses. Themes included 'the ability to be a midwife', 'support at work' and 'bullying'. Less than a third of midwives thought their workplace had a positive culture. Many respondents felt disengaged and unsupported by managers and described an inability to use all their midwifery knowledge in medically-dominated environments. Many attributed poor workplace culture to limited resources, poor communication, time pressure and a lack of leadership in their workplaces. Inadequate staffing levels and poor management left many midwives feeling disempowered and despondent about their workplace. Others, however, described highly positive workplace cultures and inspiring role models. Conclusion:The survey captured a snapshot of Australian midwifery workplace culture. Findings on leadership, workloads, management support and other aspects of workplace culture can inform future workforce planning and policies. A larger study of the midwifery workplace culture is needed.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Midwifery workplace culture in Australia: A national survey of midwives

Catling

Rossiter

2020

Women and Birth

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“…Indeed one Australian study is entitled 'How can we go on caring when nobody here cares about us?' (Reiger and Lane 2012).…”

Section: Applying Sustainability and Resilience To Midwiferymentioning

confidence: 99%

Sustainability and resilience in midwifery: A discussion paper

et al. 2016

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“…Strong relational ties with key stakeholders including Chiefs, Members of Parliament, Community Elders, Health Volunteers and members influenced midwives' intention to stay or leave the work setting. However, health care delivery and practice issues which create inter-subjective tensions also generate moral distress among care providers (Austin et al, 2013;Reiger & Lane, 2013). Particularly, when called to respond in a morally appropriate way -to be present with the 'Other' (Austin et al, 2013;De Beauvoir, 1985) it becomes challenging for midwives to do so when in a lone practice or with poor skill mix.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Midwives’ Experiences of Rural Maternal - Newborn Care in Ghana: A Phenomenological Inquiry

Ani-Amponsah

Richter

2021

OJRNHC

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Midwives' experiences of frontline healthcare delivery in rural maternal and newborn care have been minimally explored over the past two decades in low and middle-income countries but particularly in resource-limited settings, the situation is concerning. Understanding the dynamic influences that impact health care delivery in rural and remote settings is important for averting deaths, improving health outcomes and rural health care practice.Purpose: This study aimed to understand, unveil the meanings and articulate the experiences of midwives who practice in rural settings in rural Ghana.Sample: Thirteen (13) midwives who voluntarily participated in the study were purposively and conveniently sampled. Methods:Interpretive phenomenology that integrated African philosophy was used to explore and unveil the meanings embedded in the experiences of midwives practicing in South rural Ghana. Findings:The findings establish that midwives make sustained serial efforts to save maternal and newborn lives however, midwives' ethnic background, age, gender and family situation influence their retention in rural health care settings where they work alone under stressful conditions as skilled care birth attendants. Community recognition and supportive community participation

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‘How can we go on caring when nobody here cares about us?’ Australian public maternity units as contested care sites

Cited by 21 publications

References 18 publications

Midwifery workplace culture in Australia: A national survey of midwives

Midwifery workplace culture in Australia: A national survey of midwives

Sustainability and resilience in midwifery: A discussion paper

Midwives’ Experiences of Rural Maternal - Newborn Care in Ghana: A Phenomenological Inquiry

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