The impact of funding models on the integration of Ontario midwives: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Nearly 30 years post legalisation and introduction, midwifery is still not optimally integrated within the health system of Canada's largest province, Ontario. Funding models have been identified as one of the main barriers. METHODS: Using a constructivist perspective, we conducted a qualitative descriptive study to examine how antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum funding arrangements in Ontario impact midwifery integration. We conceptualized optimal 'integration' as circumstances in which midwives' knowledge, skills, and model of care are broadly respected and fully utilized, interprofessional collaboration and referral support the best possible care for patients, and midwives feel a sense of belonging within hospitals and the greater health system. We collected data through semi-structured telephone interviews with midwives, obstetricians, family physicians, and nurses. The data was examined using thematic analysis. RESULTS: We interviewed 20 participants, including 5 obstetricians, 5 family physicians, 5 midwives, 4 nurses, and 1 policy expert. We found that while course-of-care-based midwifery funding is perceived to support high levels of midwifery client satisfaction and excellent clinical outcomes, it lacks flexibility. This limits opportunities for interprofessional collaboration and for midwives to use their knowledge and skills to respond to health system gaps. The physician fee-for-service funding model creates competition for births, has unintended consequences that limit midwives' scope and access to hospital privileges, and fails to appropriately compensate physician consultants, particularly as midwifery volumes grow. Siloing of midwifery funding from hospital funding further restricts innovative contributions from midwives to respond to community healthcare needs. CONCLUSIONS: Significant policy changes, such as adequate remuneration for consultants, possibly including salary-based physician funding; flexibility to compensate midwives for care beyond the existing course of care model; and a clearly articulated health human resource plan for sexual and reproductive care are needed to improve midwifery integration.

Comparison of two vitamin D supplementation strategies in children with sickle cell disease: a randomized controlled trial.

Previously, we showed that nearly 70% of children followed in our sickle cell disease (SCD) clinic were vitamin D- deficient and had low vitamin intake with poor use of supplements. We compared the change in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], safety and clinical impact of two vitamin D supplementation regimens in children with SCD. Children (5-17 years, all genotypes) were randomized to a single bolus of vitamin D3 (300 000 IU; n = 18) or placebo (n = 20). All children received a prescription for daily 1 000 IU vitamin D3 . Serum 25(OH)D and calcium, urinary calcium/creatinine ratio, musculoskeletal pain, quality of life, haematology and bone markers were assessed at baseline and three months post intervention. Bolus administration led to a greater rise in 25(OH)D levels from baseline compared to placebo (20 ± 16 nmol/l vs. 2 ± 19 nmol/l; P = 0·003) and correction of vitamin D deficiency. No hypercalcaemia nor hypercalciuria occurred during the study, but more children in the bolus group experienced gastrointestinal symptoms within the first month (P = 0·04). There were no differences between groups for other outcomes. The use of a high-dose vitamin D bolus combined with daily 1 000 IU vitamin D3 was more efficient in raising 25(OH)D levels than daily supplementation alone in children with SCD.

The effect of music on parental participation during pediatric laceration repair.

The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to test an intervention on the use of music during simple laceration repair to promote parent-led distraction in children aged 1 to 5. Children's songs were broadcast via speakers during laceration repair and parents were encouraged to participate in distracting their child. The proportion of parental participation was determined. Laceration procedures were videotaped and objectively scored using the Procedure Behavior Check List. A total of 57 children participated in the study. There was no difference in parental involvement between the control and intervention groups. When age, sex, and condition were controlled for, distress scores were significantly higher if the father was present in the procedure room than if only the mother was present (43.68 vs. 23.39, t(54) 4.296, p = < 0.001). It was concluded that distress varies with the age of the child and the parent who is present during the procedure. Providing music during simple laceration repair did not increase the proportion of parents who were involved in distraction.