Women's perceptions of maternity carers

Area of Science:

• Maternal Health
• Healthcare Provider Roles
• Patient Perceptions

Background:

• Understanding patient perceptions of maternity care providers is crucial for effective healthcare delivery.
• Varied roles of midwives, obstetricians, and general practitioners (GPs) in maternity services can lead to confusion.
• Informed patient choice relies on clear communication about healthcare professional responsibilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore women's understanding of the roles of various healthcare professionals involved in maternity care.
• To identify discrepancies in perceptions regarding staff responsibilities and qualifications within maternity services.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive study utilizing screening questionnaires and in-depth semi-structured interviews.
• Data collected from 247 women interviewed in their homes across urban and rural settings in Northern England.
• Focus on women between 16 and 24 weeks gestation.

Main Results:

• Most women clearly defined the midwife's role in general maternity care.
• Obstetricians were predominantly viewed as specialists for emergency or complex care.
• Significant uncertainty existed among women regarding the specific role of their General Practitioner (GP) in maternity care.
• Diverse opinions were noted on whether different staff members are qualified for specific tasks.

Conclusions:

• Women require comprehensive information about the roles and functions of all maternity care providers.
• Providing clear information empowers women to make informed decisions about their maternity care.
• Addressing knowledge gaps about healthcare provider roles can improve patient satisfaction and engagement.