Graduate midwives' perception of their preparation and support in using evidence to advocate for women's choice: A Western Australian study

A retrospective cohort study was conducted with 83 midwives working across the Western Australian (WA) maternity sector who graduated from one WA University. We explored midwives' attitudes and utilisation of research and assertive communication in addition to perceptions of their educational p...

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Main Authors: Hauck, Yvonne, Lewis, L., Kuliukas, Lesley, Butt, J., Wood, J.
Format: Journal Article
Published: Churchill Livingstone 2015
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/9959
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author Hauck, Yvonne
Lewis, L.
Kuliukas, Lesley
Butt, J.
Wood, J.
author_facet Hauck, Yvonne
Lewis, L.
Kuliukas, Lesley
Butt, J.
Wood, J.
author_sort Hauck, Yvonne
building Curtin Institutional Repository
collection Online Access
description A retrospective cohort study was conducted with 83 midwives working across the Western Australian (WA) maternity sector who graduated from one WA University. We explored midwives' attitudes and utilisation of research and assertive communication in addition to perceptions of their educational preparation to advocate for women. The greatest opportunity for research exposure was working on a clinical audit (25.3%). No differences were found between graduate groups using the Edmonton Research Orientation subscales, although findings suggest a positive view towards research. Midwives were more likely to be assertive with their clinical colleagues than a midwifery manager or medical colleague when: expressing their opinions (P = <0.001); saying no (P = <0.001); allowing others to express their opinions (P = <0.001); and making suggestions to others (P = 0.025). A qualitative phase with 15 midwives explored concepts around advocating for women. Four themes emerged: ‘having the confidence to question’, ‘communication skills’, work environment’ and ‘knowing the woman and what she wants’. Findings suggest strategies are needed in their entry to practice preparation and ongoing professional development to facilitate research engagement. Using assertive behaviour to provide feedback to clinical colleagues warrants attention to enhance reflective practice. Building communication skills through observing positive role models and participating in role play was highlighted.
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spelling curtin-20.500.11937-99592017-09-13T14:53:51Z Graduate midwives' perception of their preparation and support in using evidence to advocate for women's choice: A Western Australian study Hauck, Yvonne Lewis, L. Kuliukas, Lesley Butt, J. Wood, J. A retrospective cohort study was conducted with 83 midwives working across the Western Australian (WA) maternity sector who graduated from one WA University. We explored midwives' attitudes and utilisation of research and assertive communication in addition to perceptions of their educational preparation to advocate for women. The greatest opportunity for research exposure was working on a clinical audit (25.3%). No differences were found between graduate groups using the Edmonton Research Orientation subscales, although findings suggest a positive view towards research. Midwives were more likely to be assertive with their clinical colleagues than a midwifery manager or medical colleague when: expressing their opinions (P = <0.001); saying no (P = <0.001); allowing others to express their opinions (P = <0.001); and making suggestions to others (P = 0.025). A qualitative phase with 15 midwives explored concepts around advocating for women. Four themes emerged: ‘having the confidence to question’, ‘communication skills’, work environment’ and ‘knowing the woman and what she wants’. Findings suggest strategies are needed in their entry to practice preparation and ongoing professional development to facilitate research engagement. Using assertive behaviour to provide feedback to clinical colleagues warrants attention to enhance reflective practice. Building communication skills through observing positive role models and participating in role play was highlighted. 2015 Journal Article http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/9959 10.1016/j.nepr.2015.06.004 Churchill Livingstone restricted
spellingShingle Hauck, Yvonne
Lewis, L.
Kuliukas, Lesley
Butt, J.
Wood, J.
Graduate midwives' perception of their preparation and support in using evidence to advocate for women's choice: A Western Australian study
title Graduate midwives' perception of their preparation and support in using evidence to advocate for women's choice: A Western Australian study
title_full Graduate midwives' perception of their preparation and support in using evidence to advocate for women's choice: A Western Australian study
title_fullStr Graduate midwives' perception of their preparation and support in using evidence to advocate for women's choice: A Western Australian study
title_full_unstemmed Graduate midwives' perception of their preparation and support in using evidence to advocate for women's choice: A Western Australian study
title_short Graduate midwives' perception of their preparation and support in using evidence to advocate for women's choice: A Western Australian study
title_sort graduate midwives' perception of their preparation and support in using evidence to advocate for women's choice: a western australian study
url http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/9959