Kathrin Stoll1, Jocelyn Gallagher2. 1. Birth Place Lab, Division of Midwifery, University of British Columbia, BC Women's Hospital Shaughnessy Building E416 4500 Oak Street Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada. Electronic address: kathrin.stoll@ubc.ca. 2. Division of Midwifery, University of British Columbia, Suite 320-5950 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada. Electronic address: j.gallagher@alumni.ubc.ca.
Abstract
PROBLEM: Midwives are at high risk for burnout and occupational stress. This has implications for workforce retention and quality of maternity care. AIM: We set out to understand how burnout and occupational stress are experienced by midwives in Western Canada, and whether burnout is linked to intentions to leave the profession and other factors. METHODS: Midwives were invited to participate in the international WHELM (work, health, and emotional lives of midwives) survey through invitations via their professional organizations. The survey included demographic questions and emotional wellbeing scales such as the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale. RESULTS: Of 158 midwives who participated, 51 (34.7%) had seriously considered leaving the profession, citing reasons such as the negative impact of an on-call schedule on personal life (n=84, 84.8%), as well as concerns about their mental (n=80, 80.8%) and physical health (n=57, 57.6%). Burnout scores were higher among midwives who planned to leave the profession, midwives with young children, those with higher caseloads and fewer days off. Quality of life was significantly lower among midwives who reported higher burnout scores. Midwives suggested many strategies to reduce stress, such as part-time work options, support for sick days/vacation coverage, more pay per course of care, more off-call career opportunities and initiatives to reduce bullying and interprofessional conflict. DISCUSSION/ CONCLUSION: The current study identified occupational stressors that are unique to the caseload model. Findings from this study can inform policies and strategies to support the growth and sustainability of caseload midwifery in Canada.
PROBLEM: Midwives are at high risk for burnout and occupational stress. This has implications for workforce retention and quality of maternity care. AIM: We set out to understand how burnout and occupational stress are experienced by midwives in Western Canada, and whether burnout is linked to intentions to leave the profession and other factors. METHODS: Midwives were invited to participate in the international WHELM (work, health, and emotional lives of midwives) survey through invitations via their professional organizations. The survey included demographic questions and emotional wellbeing scales such as the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale. RESULTS: Of 158 midwives who participated, 51 (34.7%) had seriously considered leaving the profession, citing reasons such as the negative impact of an on-call schedule on personal life (n=84, 84.8%), as well as concerns about their mental (n=80, 80.8%) and physical health (n=57, 57.6%). Burnout scores were higher among midwives who planned to leave the profession, midwives with young children, those with higher caseloads and fewer days off. Quality of life was significantly lower among midwives who reported higher burnout scores. Midwives suggested many strategies to reduce stress, such as part-time work options, support for sick days/vacation coverage, more pay per course of care, more off-call career opportunities and initiatives to reduce bullying and interprofessional conflict. DISCUSSION/ CONCLUSION: The current study identified occupational stressors that are unique to the caseload model. Findings from this study can inform policies and strategies to support the growth and sustainability of caseload midwifery in Canada.
Authors: E Brie Thumm; Denise C Smith; Allison P Squires; Ginger Breedlove; Paula M Meek Journal: Health Serv Res Date: 2022-01-06 Impact factor: 3.402
Authors: Nora Suleiman-Martos; Luis Albendín-García; José L Gómez-Urquiza; Keyla Vargas-Román; Lucia Ramirez-Baena; Elena Ortega-Campos; Emilia I De La Fuente-Solana Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-01-19 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Pablo Rodríguez Coll; Rosa Cabedo Ferreiro; Roser Palau Costafreda; Laia Cantó Codina; Sergio García Perdomo; Noemí Obregón Gutiérrez; Ramón Escuriet Peiró Journal: Int J Community Based Nurs Midwifery Date: 2021-07