Improving interprofessional coordination in Dutch midwifery and obstetrics: a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Coordination between the autonomous professional groups in midwifery and obstetrics is a key debate in the Netherlands. At the same time, it remains unclear what the current coordination challenges are.

Methods

To examine coordination challenges that might present a barrier to delivering optimal care, we conducted a qualitative field study focusing on midwifery and obstetric professional's perception of coordination and on their routines. We undertook 40 interviews with 13 community midwives, 8 hospital-based midwives and 19 obstetricians (including two resident obstetricians), and conducted non-participatory observations at the worksite of these professional groups.

Results

We identified challenges in terms of fragmented organizational structures, differen

SUBMITTER: Scholmerich VL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4021099 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature