| 20030801-2# How midwives' attitudes can
affect the research process - British
Journal of Midwifery , vol 11, no 6, June 2003, pp
396-400 Poat A; McElligott M; Fleming V - (June
2003) |
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The decision-making power base in maternity care has
altered in the last century with recent government documents suggesting
that it be more women-centred. Those midwives who do not use
evidenced-based practice and who teach, support and demonstrate
ritualistic practices without reference to the substantial research
available, are limiting women's choice(s) in maternity care. In a trial
(Fleming et al, 2001), investigating whether routine suturing of perineal
lacerations is required, the researchers concluded that midwives appeared
to have attempted to influence the outcome because of their own deep-held
beliefs about suturing. The rationale for this behaviour is not always
easy to understand and it is examined here to determine what concepts are
influencing these practices. First, is this behaviour a way of raising the
midwife's profile as an expert or are midwives in fact feeling less the
expert of normal childbirth as their role is eroded by other disciplines?
Second, are midwives trying to regain autonomy by controlling women as a
response to the control of this speciality by the medical and nursing
professions? Finally, could it be that midwives' lack of support for women
in making informed choice(s) is an ethical misunderstanding that they have
between beneficence and autonomy? Unfortunately, whatever the rationale,
the practice observed suggests that some midwives appear to be
demonstrating the paternalistic attitudes previously associated with the
medical profession. (29 references)
(Author) |
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