What attributes do Australian midwifery leaders identify as being essential to effectively manage a midwifery group practice (MGP)?

Abstract

Background: Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) is a service where women are cared for by one primary midwife, supported by another midwife or group of midwives, who work in partnership with them across all stages of the pregnancy, birth and postnatal period, within the public hospital system. MGP outcomes consistently show reduced medical interventions and high levels of satisfaction for women yet only 8% of women in Australia have access to this option of care. Midwives working in MGP are shown to display a higher job satisfaction and occupational autonomy compared to midwives providing standard hospital care. Management of services is closely aligned with staff retention and satisfaction and so is critical to MGP sustainability. Since little is known about the attributes of a manager for effective management of these services, this research is urgently needed to help ensure these models of care are sustainable. Aims: The aim of this project was to discover the attributes required in a manager of a MGP in Australia in order to effectively manage the service. Methodology: A qualitative approach using thematic analysis was used in this study. Eight midwifery leaders were purposively sampled and interviewed ace-to-face using semi-structured open-ended questions. The interviews were audio-taped and transcribed for analysis. Findings: The overarching theme 'Holding the ground for midwifery, for women', described the role of the MGP manager as someone who stands up for midwives and women. Three themes demonstrate the complexity of the role of the manager and the intrinsic traits that make an effective leader, described as 'having it', the actual job of management captured under the theme 'someone with their hand on the steering wheel' and the job of 'juggling forces' that surround MGP. The theme 'Helping managers to manage better' describes the preparation for the role and the support required to help the manager in this demanding position. Conclusion: The findings of this study will contribute to knowledge about what is required for effective MGP management to help enhance sustainability of these services and how best to prepare the managers for this role. Development of effective management and leadership styles could contribute to adopting a healthy, progressive culture within the hospital hierarchy. It is hoped this study will contribute to further research into midwifery management, MGP sustainability and barriers to MGP.

Date of Award	2017
Original language	English