| 1. |
- Bäck, Lena, 1962-, et al.
(författare)
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Developing competence and confidence in midwifery-focus groups with Swedish midwives
- 2017
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Ingår i: Women and Birth. - : Elsevier BV. - 1871-5192 .- 1878-1799. ; 30:1, s. E32-E38
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Midwives have a significant impact on the clinical outcome and the birthing experience of women. However,there has been a lack of research focusing specifically on clinical midwives' learning and development of professional competence.Aim: The objective of the study was to describe how midwives reflect on learning and the development of professional competence and confidence.Methods: A qualitative study based on focus groups with midwives employed in maternity services.Findings: Four categories describe the results: (1) Feelings of professional safety evolve over time; (2) Personal qualities affect professional development; (3) Methods for expanding knowledge and competence; and (4) Competence as developing and demanding.The meaning of competence is to feel safe and secure in their professional role.There was a link between the amount of hands-on intrapartum experience and increasing confidence that is, assisting many births made midwives feel confident.Internal rotation was disliked because the midwives felt they had less time to deepen their knowledge and develop competence in a particular field.The midwives felt they were not seen as individuals, and this system made them feel split between different assignments.Discussion: External factors that contribute to the development of knowledge and competence include the ability to practise hands-on skills in an organisation that is supportive and non-threatening. Internal factors include confidence, self-efficacy, and a curiosity for learning.Conclusions: Midwives working within an organisation should be supported to develop their professional role in order to become knowledgeable, competent and confident.
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| 2. |
- Bäck, Lena, 1962-, et al.
(författare)
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Professional confidence among Swedish final year midwifery students - A cross-sectional study
- 2017
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Ingår i: Sexual & Reproductive HealthCare. - : ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD. - 1877-5756 .- 1877-5764. ; 14, s. 69-78
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: Previous international studies have shown that midwifery students do not feel confident in many areas where they are supposed to practice independently. The knowledge about Swedish midwifery students' confidence is fairly under investigated. The purpose of the present study was to explore final years' midwifery students' professional confidence in basic midwifery skills according to ICM competencies and associated factors.Methods: A cross-sectional survey where all midwifery programs in Sweden were invited to participate. Data was collected by a questionnaire that measured midwifery students self-reported assessment of confidence against four selected domains of ICM competencies; antenatal, intrapartum, postpartum and new-born care.Result: The main findings of this study showed that Swedish midwifery students were confident in managing normal pregnancy, labour and birth. Midwifery students at a school with a medical faculty were more confident in handling obstetric emergency situations. Some background variables were also associated with confidence.Conclusion: This study highlighted some midwifery skills that needs further training and reflection. More training and developing confidence in complicated and emergency situations are needed. There seem to be a need of midwifery education reforms if we believe that high levels of confidence at the time of graduation is equal to competent and skilled midwives in the future.
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| 3. |
- Haines, Helen, et al.
(författare)
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Cross-cultural comparison of levels of childbirth-related fear in an Australian and Swedish sample
- 2011
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Ingår i: Midwifery. - : Elsevier BV. - 0266-6138 .- 1532-3099. ; 27:4, s. 560-567
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: research, conducted predominately in Scandinavian countries, suggests that a substantial number of women experience high levels of fear concerning childbirth which can impact on birth outcomes, the mother-infant relationship and the ongoing mental health of the mother. The prevalence of childbirth-related fear (CBRF) is not well known outside of the Nordic nations. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of CBRF in two rural populations (Sweden and Australia) and to pilot a short, easy-to-administer measurement tool. Methods: a questionnaire assessing a range of childbirth-related issues was administered to women in the first trimester across two rural populations in Sweden (n=386) and Australia (n=123). CBRF was measured using the Fear of Birth Scale (FOBS) a two-item visual analogue scale. Findings: close to 30% of women from the Australian and Swedish samples reported elevated levels of CBRF in the first trimester. A previous negative birth experience and less than positive attitudes to their current pregnancy and birth were predictive of high levels of fear. Swedish women with high levels of fear indicated a preference for caesarean section as the mode of birth in this pregnancy. A higher proportion (19%) of Australian women indicated that they would prefer an elective caesarean section, compared with only 8.8% of the Swedish sample; however, this was not related to high levels of fear. Preference for caesarean section was related to CBRF in the Swedish sample but not in the Australian sample. Conclusion: the high proportion of women identified with CBRF suggests a need for monitoring of women during pregnancy, particularly those with a previous negative birth experience. The FOBS developed for this study could be used as a screening tool to identify women who require further investigation. Further cross-cultural research is needed to explore the role of fear in women's preference for caesarean section.
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| 4. |
- Hildingsson, Ingegerd, 1955-, et al.
(författare)
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A continuity of care project with two on-call schedules : Findings from a rural area in Sweden
- 2020
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Ingår i: Sexual & Reproductive HealthCare. - : Elsevier BV. - 1877-5756 .- 1877-5764. ; 26
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BackgroundIn many countries, various continuity models of midwifery care arrangements have been developed to benefit women and babies. In Sweden, such models are rare.AimTo evaluate two on-call schedules for enabling continuity of midwifery care during labour and birth, in a rural area of Sweden.MethodA participatory action research project where the project was discussed, planned and implemented in collaboration between researchers, midwives and the project leader, and refined during the project period. Questionnaires were collected from participating women, in mid pregnancy and two months after birth.ResultOne of the models resulted in a higher degree of continuity, especially for women with fear of birth. Having a known midwife was associated with higher satisfaction in the medical (aOR 2.02 (95% CI 1.14–4.22) and the emotional (aOR 2.05; 1.09–3.86) aspects of intrapartum care, regardless of the model.ConclusionThis study presented and evaluated two models of continuity with different on-call schedules and different possibilities for women to have access to a known midwife during labour and birth. Women were satisfied with the intrapartum care, and those who had had a known midwife were the most satisfied. Introducing a new model of care in a rural area where the labour ward recently closed challenged both the midwives’ working conditions and women’s access to evidence-based care.
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| 5. |
- Hildingsson, Ingegerd, et al.
(författare)
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A known midwife can make a difference for women with fear of childbirth- birth outcome and women's experiences of intrapartum care
- 2019
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Ingår i: Sexual & Reproductive HealthCare. - : Elsevier BV. - 1877-5756 .- 1877-5764. ; 21, s. 33-38
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: There is evidence that continuity of midwifery care is beneficial to women. Women with fear of childbirth in Sweden are offered counselling, but receiving care from a known midwife during labour is unusual, despite its effects in reducing interventions and increasing birth satisfaction. The aim of this study was to describe and compare birth outcome and experience of intrapartum care among women with fear of childbirth who received intrapartum care from a known midwife, versus those who did not. Methods: An experimental study of 70 women referred to counselling due to fear of birth during pregnancy wherein the counselling midwife, when possible, also assisted during labour and birth. Results: Having a known midwife during labour and birth had a positive impact on fearful women's birth experience and their perception of pain, but there was no difference in onset of labour or mode of birth. Women who received care from a known midwife experienced better care with regards to information, participation in decision making and perception of control. Conclusion: This study indicates that having access to a known midwife might have an impact on women's birth experience. This study was limited by its small sample size and further research would need to randomise fearful women to counselling or continuity of care to determine the contribution of each to reducing fear.
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| 6. |
- Hildingsson, Ingegerd, et al.
(författare)
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African midwifery students’ self-assessed confidence in antenatal care : a multi-country study
- 2019
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Ingår i: Global Health Action. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1654-9716 .- 1654-9880. ; 12:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Evidence-based antenatal care is one cornerstone in Safe Motherhood and educated and confident midwives remain to be optimal caregivers in Africa. Confidence in antenatal midwifery skills is important and could differ depending on the provision of education among the training institutions across Africa. Objective: The aim of the study was to describe and compare midwifery students’ confidence in basic antenatal skills, in relation to age, sex, program type and level of program. Methods: A survey in seven sub-Saharan African countries was conducted. Enrolled midwifery students from selected midwifery institutions in each country presented selfreported data on confidence to provide antenatal care. Data were collected using a selfadministered questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 22 antenatal skills based on the competency framework from the International Confederation of Midwives. The skills were grouped into three domains; Identify fetal and maternal risk factors and educate parents; Manage and document emergent complications and Physical assessment and nutrition. Results: In total, 1407 midwifery students from seven Sub-Saharan countries responded. Almost one third (25-32%) of the students reported high levels of confidence in all three domains. Direct entry programs were associated with higher levels of confidence in all three domains, compared to post-nursing and double degree programs. Students enrolled at education with diploma level presented with high levels of confidence in two out of three domains. Conclusions: A significant proportion of student midwives rated themselves low on confidence to provide ANC. Midwifery students enrolled in direct entry programs reported higher levels of confidence in all domains. It is important that local governments develop education standards, based on recommendations from the International Confederation of midwives. Further research is needed for the evaluation of actual competence.
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| 7. |
- Hildingsson, Ingegerd, 1955-, et al.
(författare)
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Birth outcome in a caseload study conducted in a rural area of Sweden : a register based study
- 2020
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Ingår i: Sexual & Reproductive HealthCare. - : ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD. - 1877-5756 .- 1877-5764. ; 24
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Continuity models of midwifery care are rare in Sweden, despite its well-known positive effects. The aim was to describe pregnancy and birth outcome in women participating in a continuity of care project in a rural area of Sweden.Method: A register-based study of 266 women recruited to the project and a control group of 125 women from the same catchment area. Midwives provided antenatal care and were on-call 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. for birth. Data were collected from the antenatal and birth records. Crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated between women in the project and the control group.Results: There were more primiparous women and highly educated women recruited to the project, and fewer foreign-born and single women, compared to the control group. Women in the project met more midwives and were less likely to have a pregnancy complication. During intrapartum care, women recruited to the project were less likely to need labour augmentation and less likely to have an instrumental vaginal birth and elective caesarean section. They had fewer second degree perineal tears and were more likely to fully breastfeed at discharge. No differences were found in neonatal outcome. The continuity of a known midwife at birth was quite low.Conclusion: This study shows that women self-recruited to a continuity of care project in a rural area of Sweden had a higher rate of normal births. There were few differences if having a known midwife or not. Long distances to hospital and lack of staff affected the level of continuity.
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| 8. |
- Hildingsson, Ingegerd, 1955-, et al.
(författare)
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Caseload midwifery for women with fear of birth is a feasible option
- 2018
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Ingår i: Sexual & Reproductive HealthCare. - : ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD. - 1877-5756 .- 1877-5764. ; 16, s. 50-55
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: Continuity with a known midwife might benefit women with fear of birth, but is rare in Sweden. The aim was to test a modified caseload midwifery model of care to provide continuity of caregiver to women with fear of birth. Methods: A feasibility study where women received antenatal and intrapartum care from a known midwife who focused on women's fear during all antenatal visits. The study was performed in one antenatal clinic in central Sweden and one university hospital labor ward. Data was collected with questionnaires in mid and late pregnancy and two months after birth. The main outcome was fear of childbirth. Result Eight out of ten women received all antenatal and intrapartum care from a known midwife. The majority had a normal vaginal birth with non-pharmacological pain relief. Satisfaction was high and most women reported that their fear of birth alleviated or disappeared. Conclusion: Offering a modified caseload midwifery model of care seems to be a feasible option for women with elevated levels of childbirth fear as well as for midwives working in antenatal clinics as it reduces fear of childbirth for most women. Women were satisfied with the model of care and with the care provided.
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| 9. |
- Hildingsson, Ingegerd, 1955-, et al.
(författare)
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Childbirth experience in women participating in a continuity of midwifery care project
- 2021
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Ingår i: Women and Birth. - : Elsevier. - 1871-5192 .- 1878-1799. ; 34:3, s. e255-e261
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Continuity models of care are rare in Sweden, despite the evidence of their benefit to women and babies. Previous studies have shown certain factors are associated with a positive birth experience, including continuity of midwifery care.Aim: The aim was to investigate women's childbirth experiences in relation to background data, birth outcome and continuity with a known midwife, in a rural area of Sweden.Methods: An experimental cohort study. Participating women were offered continuity of midwifery care in pregnancy and birth, during selected time periods. Data were collected in mid-pregnancy and two months after birth. The Childbirth Experience Questionnaire was used to determine women's birth experiences.Result: A total of 226 women responded to the follow-up questionnaire. Not living with a partner, fear of giving birth, and a birth preference other than vaginal were associated with a less positive birth experience. Having had a vaginal birth with no epidural, no augmentation and no birth complication all yield a better birth experience. Women who had had a known midwife were more likely to have had a positive birth experience overall, predominantly in the domain Professional support.Conclusions: The results of this study showed that women who received care from a known midwife in labour were more likely to have a positive birth experience. The results also pointed out the benefits of a less medicalized birth as important for a good birth experience, and that some women may need extra support to avoid a less positive birth experience.
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| 10. |
- Hildingsson, Ingegerd, 1955-, et al.
(författare)
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Exploring the Fear of Birth Scale in a mixed population of women of childbearing age : A Swedish pilot study
- 2018
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Ingår i: Women and Birth. - : Elsevier BV. - 1871-5192 .- 1878-1799. ; 31:5, s. 407-413
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aim: The aim of this pilot study was to explore the Fear of Birth Scale in a mixed sample of women of childbearing age, by investigating the levels of childbirth fear and the content of women's thoughts when completing the scale. Methods: A cross-sectional mixed method study of 179 women who completed a short questionnaire and a think aloud interview. Results: The mean score of the Fear of Birth Scale was 40.80 (SD 27.59) and 28.5% were classified as having fear of childbirth (>= 60). The internal consistency showed a Cronbach's alpha > 0.92, and a mean inter-item correlation of 0.85. The highest scores were found in women younger than 25 years (mean 60.10), foreignborn women (mean 54.30) and women who did not have any previous children (48.72). The lowest scores were found in women who had recently given birth (mean 34.82) and women older than 35 years (mean 34.85). The content analysis categorization matrix clearly accommodated all 436 statements into the five pre-existing categories. The largest categories were: the content of fear and worry with 138 statements and strategies to cope with fear or worry (122 statements). Conclusion: The Fear of Birth Scale seems to be a useful instrument for different subgroups of women. The construct of fear of childbirth may be universally understood and experienced by women of childbearing age irrespective of whether they are currently pregnant, have recently given birth or do not have children. Identifying fear of birth is important in clinical practice in order to support women's reproductive needs.
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