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Empowerment in the midwifery context--a concept analysis
Evelyn Hermansson1, Lena Mårtensson
1Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Box 457, SE-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden.
Midwifery
|October 12, 2010
Summary
This study clarifies the concept of empowerment for midwives, focusing on the childbearing period. It redefines empowerment to enhance its use in clinical practice, education, and research for better maternal care.
Area of Science:
- Midwifery
- Sociology
- Health Sciences
Background:
- The concept of empowerment is complex and challenging to define across diverse contexts.
- Understanding empowerment is crucial for effective application in midwifery care during the childbearing period.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the concept of empowerment within the midwifery context, specifically during the childbearing period.
- To clarify the meaning of empowerment for improved comprehension and application in clinical practice, education, and research.
Main Methods:
- A concept analysis using the hybrid model, incorporating theoretical and fieldwork phases.
- Data collection involved semi-structured interviews with nine midwives and 12 couples, alongside analysis of written texts.
- The study was conducted in prenatal clinics, delivery, and maternity wards in western Sweden.
Main Results:
- The analysis identified key attributes of empowerment in midwifery: developing trust, fostering awareness and reflection, enabling informed choices, and confirming the significance of parenthood.
- Empowerment involves acting on parents' terms, ensuring their involvement, and facilitating informed decision-making.
- A redefined concept of empowerment in the midwifery context was established.
Conclusions:
- Empowerment is a relevant and integral concept in midwifery, utilized in education and research.
- Midwives employ empowerment strategies at both micro and macro levels in clinical practice.
- Empirical findings validate the significance and applicability of empowerment within the midwifery setting.
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