Journal article
Defining woman-centred care: A concept analysis
Midwifery, Vol.131, pp.1-9
2024
PMID: 38364459
Abstract
Problem
In midwifery a shared definition of woman-centred care is lacking, and this remains an identified gap in the evidence underpinning midwifery practice.
Background
Woman-centred care is an underpinning philosophy used in midwifery practice both nationally and internationally.
Aim
To analyse the practice of woman-centred care to clarify its meaning and comprehension and subsequently advance a developed evidence-based definition of the concept.
Methods
Using an adapted theoretical and colloquial evolutionary model a three-stage concept analysis was conducted to identify attributes, antecedents, and consequences of woman-centred care and subsequently construct an evidence-based, internationally informed definition.
Findings
Antecedents of woman-centred care are education, models of care and midwife characteristics. Attributes are choice and control, empowerment, and relationships. Consequences are shared and informed decision making which supports the woman in navigating complex health systems, and improved health outcomes. Whilst important to midwifery practice and midwifery-led models of care, continuity of care is not a core essential element of woman-centred care.
Discussion
Analysis, synthesis, and re-examination of the data on woman-centred care facilitated deep immersion, exploration and clarification of this concept that underpins midwifery philosophy and practice. The constructed definition can be used to inform health policy, midwifery research, education, and clinical practice.
Conclusion
An evidence-based definition of woman-centred care is necessary for conversion of this essential concept to practice. Regardless of model of care all women should receive woman-centre care improving the health outcomes of both the woman and neonate.
Details
- Title
- Defining woman-centred care: A concept analysis
- Authors
- Susannah Brady (Corresponding Author) - The University of QueenslandKristen S Gibbons (Author) - The University of QueenslandFiona Bogossian (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health
- Publication details
- Midwifery, Vol.131, pp.1-9
- Publisher
- Churchill Livingstone
- Date published
- 2024
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.midw.2024.103954
- ISSN
- 1532-3099
- PMID
- 38364459
- Copyright note
- © 2024 Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991001598602621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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