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Interprofessional and peer criticism: a side-effect of litigation?
1Department of Widwifery, Perth & Kincross NHS Trust/University of Dundee, UK.
Summary
Rising litigation fears may strain obstetrician-midwife relationships. While litigation is a factor, personal issues and evolving midwife roles also contribute to workplace tensions in maternity care.
Area of Science:
- Medical professional relationships
- Healthcare litigation
- Maternity care dynamics
Background:
- Concerns exist regarding increased litigation rates in obstetrics.
- These concerns are anecdotally linked to deteriorating relationships between obstetricians and midwives.
- The evolving role of midwives presents new challenges for inter-professional collaboration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore practitioner and stakeholder views on the impact of litigation fears on obstetrician-midwife relationships.
- To identify factors contributing to tensions within maternity care teams.
- To understand the challenges in fostering healthy inter-professional relationships in contemporary maternity services.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative interviews with practitioners and individuals involved in medical litigation.
- Exploration of differing perspectives on litigation's influence.
- Analysis of interview tones to gauge inter-professional dynamics.
Main Results:
- Practitioner views on litigation's impact are varied.
- Personal factors, beyond litigation fears, likely influence relationships.
- Significant tension between obstetric and midwifery practitioners was observed.
- Challenges exist in developing healthy inter-professional relationships due to changing roles.
Conclusions:
- While litigation fears contribute, they are not the sole cause of tension between obstetricians and midwives.
- Personal factors and the evolving role of midwives significantly impact inter-professional dynamics.
- Addressing poor working relationships is critical in maternity care, especially amidst perceived rising litigation.