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Changes in maternity care and the impact on nurses and nursing practice
Objective:
To determine changes maternity nurses have experienced and the impact these changes have had on nursing practice.
Design:
Descriptive survey using a randomized sample.
Participants:
Four hundred fifty-one inpatient female maternity nurses.
Main Outcome Measures:
Changes in maternity care, impact of the changes on nursing practice, and personal and professional perceptions and activities before and after the changes.
Results:
Reported changes were use of technology, legal climate, shorter patient stay, cost containment, inclusion of family, cross training, consumer demand, and single-room maternity care. Inclusion of the family, technology, and single-room care were rated highly for worth and improvement in quality of care. Though described as challenging and rewarding, change was an energy drain. Change was often seen as a result of administrative mandate.
Conclusions:
Perceptions of change vary, but no change is easy to implement. Opportunities for staff input, administrative support, and adequate time and staffing levels during change facilitate adjustment.