Causal links to missed Australian midwifery care: What is the evidence?
Journal
European Journal of Midwifery
Date Issued
October 2020
Author(s)
DOI
10.18332/ejm/127769
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The incidences and types of missed nursing care in the acute care and
community sectors are both ubiquitous and quantifiable, however, there are few research
studies relating to the type and frequency of missed maternity-based care for mothers
and families. The aim of this study is to estimate the incidences and types of Australian
missed midwifery care and to identify those factors that have causal links to it.
METHODS A non-experimental, descriptive method using a Likert developed MISSCARE
scale was used to ascertain consensus estimates made by Australian midwives. Electronic
invitations were extended to their membership using an inclusive link to the MISSCARE
survey. Inclusion criteria were all ANMF members who were midwives and currently
employed within the Australian public and private healthcare systems. Data analysis was
undertaken using both Rasch analysis and Structural Equation Modelling.
RESULTS The type and frequency of missed Australian midwifery care can be quantified
and several demographic factors are significant predictor variables for overall missed
midwifery care. The most prevalent aspects of missed care in the Australian midwifery
setting are midwives’ hand hygiene, supportive care, perinatal education, and surveillance
type midwifery practices.
CONCLUSIONS As the frequencies and types of missed midwifery care in Australia have
been identified, it is possible for midwives to be mindful of minimising care omissions
related to hand hygiene, providing supportive care and education to mothers as well as
surveillance-type midwifery practices.
community sectors are both ubiquitous and quantifiable, however, there are few research
studies relating to the type and frequency of missed maternity-based care for mothers
and families. The aim of this study is to estimate the incidences and types of Australian
missed midwifery care and to identify those factors that have causal links to it.
METHODS A non-experimental, descriptive method using a Likert developed MISSCARE
scale was used to ascertain consensus estimates made by Australian midwives. Electronic
invitations were extended to their membership using an inclusive link to the MISSCARE
survey. Inclusion criteria were all ANMF members who were midwives and currently
employed within the Australian public and private healthcare systems. Data analysis was
undertaken using both Rasch analysis and Structural Equation Modelling.
RESULTS The type and frequency of missed Australian midwifery care can be quantified
and several demographic factors are significant predictor variables for overall missed
midwifery care. The most prevalent aspects of missed care in the Australian midwifery
setting are midwives’ hand hygiene, supportive care, perinatal education, and surveillance
type midwifery practices.
CONCLUSIONS As the frequencies and types of missed midwifery care in Australia have
been identified, it is possible for midwives to be mindful of minimising care omissions
related to hand hygiene, providing supportive care and education to mothers as well as
surveillance-type midwifery practices.
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
![Thumbnail Image]()
Name
Blackman I et al_Supplementary file.pdf
Size
102.49 KB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
162eaeab5122af46ea13d4a4f1038bce
Name
Causal links to missed.pdf
Size
541.85 KB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
0670ae6a320e6fa26dc7440631201d14