Interprofessional and peer criticism: a side-effect of litigation?

Claims about a rising litigation rate, particularly in obstetrics, have allegedly fuelled fears of worsening relationships between obstetricians and midwives. Interviews with a number of practitioners, and others concerned with medical litigation, provided differing views about these assertions. While the fear of litigation is one element, it is probable that other often personal-factors may play a part. The overall tone of the interviews, however, suggested a significant degree of tension between obstetric and midwifery practitioners. The changing role of the midwife in contemporary maternity care also brings fresh challenges in developing healthy inter-professional relationships. At a time when litigation is believed to be ever-increasing, the existence of poor work relationships in this multi-disciplinary field may be critical.