Midwives' and registered nurses' role and scope of practice in acute early pregnancy care settings in Australia: A qualitative descriptive study.
Women Birth
; 37(5): 101643, 2024 Sep.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39018604
ABSTRACT
PROBLEM:
There is little documented evidence regarding the practice of midwives providing care for women with acute concerns in early pregnancy (< 20 weeks) in Australia.BACKGROUND:
Women can experience unexpected complications at any gestation of pregnancy and may seek acute care in an emergency or gynaecology service, usually staffed by registered nurses (RNs). They may not receive care from specialised pregnancy clinicians, including midwives. The role and scope of practice of midwives working in acute early pregnancy settings in Australia has not been previously reported. This study provides an opportunity to document practice in an area of pregnancy care not often visible within maternity services in Australia. RESEARCHAIM:
To describe midwives' and RNs perceptions, perspectives and experiences of role and scope of practice in acute early pregnancy care provision in Australia.METHODS:
A qualitative descriptive approach was adopted. Midwives and RNs with acute early pregnancy knowledge and experience were recruited. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and data analysed using inductive thematic analysis.FINDINGS:
Fifteen participants were interviewed. Three themes were constructed from interview data Personal and Professional Influences; Being There for Women; The Impact of Setting.DISCUSSION:
Findings reinforce the lack of clarity around how midwives' scope is enabled in traditional acute early pregnancy care. Setting of care has influenced practice and seen a barrier for midwives who don't hold nursing registration from fulfilling professional scope. Results provide novel benchmarking evidence regarding a largely hidden area of midwifery, signposting areas for reform within education, policy and health service sectors.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Rol de la Enfermera
/
Investigación Cualitativa
/
Servicios de Salud Materna
/
Partería
/
Enfermeras Obstetrices
Límite:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Middle aged
/
Pregnancy
País/Región como asunto:
Oceania
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Women Birth
Asunto de la revista:
ENFERMAGEM
/
OBSTETRICIA
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article