Factors that support change in the delivery of midwifery led care in hospital settings. A review of current literature

Problem

In hospital units, the network of interdependent relationships between midwives and doctors has positioned midwives within hierarchical relationships of power. Others argue that the physical layout of hospital wards created by biomedicine makes it difficult for midwives to provide midwifery led care. The aim of this review is to identify factors that support change in the delivery of the midwifery led care in hospital settings.

Methods

A narrative review was chosen as this method allows for greater flexibility in the selection of studies and can lead to the inclusion of a wider range of literature.

Results

Eight high quality papers from the UK, Sweden, Canada and Australia were selected for review. Papers focused on improving the delivery of midwife led care in hospital midwifery units, labour and postnatal wards. Key themes were identified as supporting change in the delivery of midwifery led care were ownership of change, capability to change and transformational leadership.

Conclusion

The findings demonstrate the importance of social support and clinical leadership in bringing about subtle changes in hospital based midwifery led care. Ultimately improved understanding of the factors that support the delivery of the midwifery led care in hospital settings may improve women’s choice and highlight the role of the midwife as the practitioner of normal childbirth.