Vermeulen, J, Buyl, R, Luyben, A, Fleming, V, Tency, I and Fobelets, M (2024) How to promote midwives' recognition and professional autonomy? A document analysis study. Midwifery, 138. ISSN 0266-6138

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Abstract

Objective: To identify challenges associated with midwives' professional autonomy in Belgium and develop recommendations to promote midwives’ recognition and professional autonomy. Design: Through a document analysis study we identified challenges, categorized them into themes and linked them with Greenwood's sociological criteria for a profession. This involved an in-depth synthesis of findings from our published studies to comprehensively examine the challenges to optimizing midwifery autonomy and to develop corresponding recommendations. Findings: We identified challenges related to midwife-led continuity care models, regulation of the midwifery profession, collaboration with stakeholders, professional esteem and professional culture. Based on them, our recommendations include prioritizing midwife-led continuity of care, fostering collaboration, tailoring continuous professional development, increasing public awareness and advocating for policy changes. The attribute of a profession which is lacking the most in midwifery in Belgium is recognized authority, which may result in midwives being undervalued, underutilized and underpaid. Key conclusions: In this paper we identified challenges in Belgian midwives' recognition and professional autonomy and provided recommendations to address them, emphasizing the importance of recognized authority in midwifery. Implementing these recommendations can positively impact midwives' recognition and autonomy in Belgium and potentially in other countries. Implications for practice: It is essential for policy makers to address the issue of the lack of recognized authority in midwifery, as it plays a critical role in facilitating decision-making, policy development, and the professionalization of the field. Implementing the outlined recommendations can drive positive changes in midwifery recognition and autonomy in Belgium and beyond.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Autonomy; Midwifery; Midwifery autonomy; Midwives; Professional autonomy; Professionalisation; 1110 Nursing; 1114 Paediatrics and Reproductive Medicine; 1117 Public Health and Health Services; Nursing
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine R Medicine > RG Gynecology and obstetrics
Divisions:	Nursing & Allied Health Public Health Institute
Publisher:	Elsevier
SWORD Depositor:	A Symplectic
Date Deposited:	16 Sep 2024 08:53
Last Modified:	16 Sep 2024 08:53
DOI or ID number:	10.1016/j.midw.2024.104138
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/24135

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