Evaluation of a midwifery model of woman-centred care during childbirth

• Background: Based on a synthesis of 12 qualitative studies on women’s and midwives’ experiences of childbearing, a model of woman-centred care has been developed. The model has three central intertwined themes: a reciprocal relationship, a birthing atmosphere, and grounded knowledge; and two overall themes: the cultural context and the balancing act. Aim: To evaluate the use and effects of the model of woman-centred care provided by midwives during childbirth. Methods: A mixed methods, before-after controlled study is currently underway at two units for normal deliveries at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sweden, and an ethnographic actions research study is ongoing at the labour ward of Landspitali, University Hospital in Iceland. The intervention in Sweden comprises a one-day (8 hours) education about the model together with regularly scheduled reflection groups for midwives. The effects are studied by evaluating delivery outcomes, mothers’ childbirth experiences and midwives’ work-related experiences. The primary outcomes are augmentation with oxytocin and mothers’ childbirth experiences assessed with the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (CEQ 2.0). The secondary outcomes are midwives’ experiences, assessed by means of questionnaires, including stress, burn-out, work satisfaction, and sense of coherence before and one year after the intervention. The qualitative part will study if the model is considered applicable by midwives, obstetricians, assistant nurses and managers at delivery wards, and to the content of midwifery care. An ethnographic field study with midwives and a focus-group study with assistant nurses, obstetricians, midwives and managers have been conducted before start and will be performed after the intervention. The ethnographic action research study in Iceland is focusing on midwives’ experiences and the development of guidelines for implementing the model in practice. Results: Preliminary findings from the study will be presented at the conference. Conclusion: A midwifery model of woman-centred care based on previous research is now evaluated in clinical practice.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Annan hälsovetenskap (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Other Health Sciences (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Reproduktionsmedicin och gynekologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine (hsv//eng)

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

kon (subject category)