Midwifery Care: An Evolutionary Concept Analysis

Area of Science:

• Healthcare research
• Nursing and Midwifery Studies
• Concept Analysis

Background:

• Midwifery care is a distinct professional domain.
• Current healthcare models often limit the scope of midwifery care.
• A clear, evidence-based definition is needed to guide practice and policy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish an evidence-based definition of midwifery care.
• To identify the fundamental and distinctive features of midwifery care.
• To inform research, education, and clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Rodgers and Knafl's evolutionary concept analysis.
• Conducted a systematic literature search across six major databases.
• Performed thematic sampling on 30 relevant research papers.

Main Results:

• Identified five antecedent categories: philosophy, personal/regulatory features, care context, and professional team.
• Key attributes include relationship and family-centeredness.
• Consequences encompass safety, empowerment, and professional outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Obstetric-led models often prioritize risk management, limiting holistic midwifery care.
• This disparity negatively impacts care quality, professional satisfaction, and midwife well-being.
• A conceptualized definition can orient practice, education, and policy toward midwifery priorities.