Certified nurse-midwifery in Kansas: survey of physicians

Following U.S. trends, the number of practicing certified nurse-midwives in Kansas is growing. Since collaboration with physicians is vital to the successful practice of nurse-midwifery, Kansas obstetrician-gynecologists and family practice physicians were surveyed regarding certified nurse-midwifery. Seventy-two randomly-selected physicians received an 11-item questionnaire. The majority of responding physicians (n = 40) expressed an interest in certified nurse-midwifery. Most obstetricians indicated they would consider bringing a certified nurse midwife into their practices. Obstetricians were more knowledgeable about certified nurse midwifery and were more open to collaboration with nurse-midwives than were family practice physicians. Results indicate that the environment is ripe for certified nurse-midwife/physician collaboration in Kansas.