Australian midwives’ experiences of their workplace culture

Catling, CJ; Reid, F; Hunter, B

Australian midwives’ experiences of their workplace culture

Catling, CJ

Reid, F Hunter, B

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Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Women and Birth, 2017, 30 (2), pp. 137 - 145
Issue Date:: 2017-04-01

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Catling, CJ https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7352-2879	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Reid, F	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Hunter, B	en_US
dc.date.available	2020-05-25T19:05:02Z
dc.date.issued	2017-04-01	en_US
dc.identifier.citation	Women and Birth, 2017, 30 (2), pp. 137 - 145	en_US
dc.identifier.issn	1871-5192	en_US
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/56697
dc.description.abstract	© 2016 Australian College of Midwives Background A number of adverse events in Australia and overseas have highlighted the need to examine the workplace culture in the maternity environment. Little attention has been paid to the midwifery workplace culture in Australia. Aim The study aimed to explore the midwifery workplace culture from the perspective of midwives themselves. Methods A qualitative descriptive design was used. Group and individual interviews were undertaken of urban, regional and rural-based midwives in Australia. Data were analysed thematically. Findings The study showed that both new and experienced midwives felt frustrated by organisational environments and attitudes, and expressed strategies to cope with this. Five themes were identified from the data. These were: Bullying and resilience, Fatigued and powerless midwives, Being ‘hampered by the environment’, and The importance of support for midwifery. Discussion The study discusses the themes in depth. In particular, discussion focusses on how midwifery practise was affected by midwives’ workplace culture and model of care, and the importance of supportive relationships from peers and managers. Conclusion This study illuminated both positive and negative aspects of the midwifery workplace culture in Australia. One way to ensure the wellbeing and satisfaction of midwives in order to maintain the midwifery workforce and provide quality care to women and their families is to provide positive workplace cultures.	en_US
dc.relation.ispartof	Women and Birth	en_US
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1016/j.wombi.2016.10.001	en_US
dc.subject.classification	Obstetrics & Reproductive Medicine	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Humans	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Attitude of Health Personnel	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Pregnancy	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Adult	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Middle Aged	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Nurse Midwives	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Workplace	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Hospitals, Community	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Hospitals, Rural	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Hospitals, Urban	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Organizational Culture	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Australia	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Female	en_US
dc.title	Australian midwives’ experiences of their workplace culture	en_US
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	2	en_US
utslib.citation.volume	30	en_US
utslib.for	11 Medical and Health Sciences	en_US
pubs.embargo.period	Not known	en_US
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health/Midwifery
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Strength - CHSP - Health Services and Practice
utslib.copyright.status	open_access
pubs.issue	2	en_US
pubs.publication-status	Published	en_US
pubs.volume	30	en_US

Abstract:

© 2016 Australian College of Midwives Background A number of adverse events in Australia and overseas have highlighted the need to examine the workplace culture in the maternity environment. Little attention has been paid to the midwifery workplace culture in Australia. Aim The study aimed to explore the midwifery workplace culture from the perspective of midwives themselves. Methods A qualitative descriptive design was used. Group and individual interviews were undertaken of urban, regional and rural-based midwives in Australia. Data were analysed thematically. Findings The study showed that both new and experienced midwives felt frustrated by organisational environments and attitudes, and expressed strategies to cope with this. Five themes were identified from the data. These were: Bullying and resilience, Fatigued and powerless midwives, Being ‘hampered by the environment’, and The importance of support for midwifery. Discussion The study discusses the themes in depth. In particular, discussion focusses on how midwifery practise was affected by midwives’ workplace culture and model of care, and the importance of supportive relationships from peers and managers. Conclusion This study illuminated both positive and negative aspects of the midwifery workplace culture in Australia. One way to ensure the wellbeing and satisfaction of midwives in order to maintain the midwifery workforce and provide quality care to women and their families is to provide positive workplace cultures.

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:

http://hdl.handle.net/10453/56697