Recognition and management of critical illness by midwives: implications for service provision

This is the pre-peer reviewed version of the following article: Bench, Suzanne (2007) Recognition and management of critical illness by midwives: implications for service provision. Journal of Nursing Management, 15 (3). pp. 348-356. which has been published in final form at 10.1111/j.1365-2834.2007.00759.x.This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving. Aim  The aim of this study was to explore midwives’ recognition and management of critical illness in obstetric women in order to inform service provision. Background  Critical illness is not confined to Intensive Care. Limited published work was located examining factors affecting critical care provision by midwives. Methods  A multi-method design incorporating a paper and pencil simulation (n = 11) and in-depth interviewing (n = 5) was conducted with midwives from a large London National Health Service Trust. This study details and discusses the findings. Results  Findings indicated that frequency and type of critical illness experience impact upon midwives’ critical care knowledge and skills. Midwives, especially those who were more junior, expressed anxiety regarding this aspect of practice, and considered the support of senior midwives, medical and nursing staff as crucial to effective client management. Conclusion  This study has yielded important insights into midwives’ management of critical illness. Possible mechanisms to enhance the quality of service provision, and midwife support in this area are highlighted.