Education and practice development midwives adapting and evolving : an action research study

Choucri, L

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to work collaboratively with a group of practice development midwives in their National Health Service workplace and to examine the impact of their role on their working lives.
The study took an action research approach that involved working with a group of practice development midwives and their replacements as some left the organisation
during the time of the study. The study was participative and educative, using action learning as a vehicle for learning and development.
The wider policy context is encompassed, taking into account the modernisation of the NHS, including clinical governance, continuing professional development and
human and social capital.
Three action research spirals are depicted and the data collection consists of one to one interviews with each midwife, a group interview with midwives and stakeholders,
minutes of monthly meetings which record the action learning effort and field notes.
The main findings were that culture, leadership, time and learning to develop were the keys to successful practice development and change in this particular maternity
unit setting. The group endeavour as critical friends sustained the practice innovations when resistance was manifest. Moreover, the practice development midwives became empowered as they evolved their roles during spirals of action research activity.
Vital messages emerge about the requirement for time, facilitation and support to underpin the NHS agenda for modernising, improving and changing. This group of midwives were motivated by the needs of their client group within each project they did. They were encouraged over time and armed with new skills and knowledge to work at the forefront of their profession in implementing and sustaining change.
Recommendations are made for the use of the approaches adopted within this study to empower midwives in the field as they try to take a strategic approach to implementing maternity policy which encourages the drive for woman centred care.

Citation

Choucri, L. Education and practice development midwives adapting and evolving : an action research study. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 3, 2012
• Award Date: Jan 1, 2010