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Using a consensus method towards the promotion of professional conduct in midwifery in South Africa

Dissertation (MCur)--University of Pretoria, 2019.

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Other Authors: Maree, C.M. (Carin)
Format: Thesis
Language:English
Published: University of Pretoria 2019
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access_status_str Open Access
author2 Maree, C.M. (Carin)
author_browse Maree, C.M. (Carin)
author_facet Maree, C.M. (Carin)
collection Thesis
dc_rights_str_mv © 2019 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria.
description Dissertation (MCur)--University of Pretoria, 2019.
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institution University of Pretoria (South Africa)
language English
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license_str Other — see source repository
provenance_str_mv Harvested via OAI-PMH from UPSpace — University of Pretoria Institutional Repository
publishDate 2019
publishDateRange 2019
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publisher University of Pretoria
publisherStr University of Pretoria
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source_str UPSpace — University of Pretoria Institutional Repository
spelling oai:repository.up.ac.za:2263/72737 Using a consensus method towards the promotion of professional conduct in midwifery in South Africa Maree, C.M. (Carin) naomi.hattingh@lifehealthcare.co.za Yazbek, Mariatha Hattingh, Naomi UCTD Health sciences theses SDG-03 Health sciences theses SDG-04 Health sciences theses SDG-05 Health sciences theses SDG-08 Dissertation (MCur)--University of Pretoria, 2019. Aim The aim was to obtain consensus on how professional conduct can be improved in midwifery. Background Although a decrease in maternal mortality is seen in South Africa, it is still unacceptably high in comparison with first world countries. The aim is to reduce maternal deaths to 100 per 100 000 deaths by 2030. The role of midwives in the care of mothers and babies has been recognised worldwide and therefore they also play a crucial role in the reduction of maternal deaths. Programmes have been rolled out to ensure that midwives are skilled and knowledgeable. However, it seems that professional conduct is a contributing factor in maternal mortality and needs to be improved in order to reduce maternal death. Therefore, the goal of the study was to reach consensus on how professional conduct can be improved. Methods The methodology utilised was a consensus method, namely the nominal group technique. The question was asked; “How can professional conduct be improved in South Africa?” Three nominal group sessions were scheduled consisting of midwives of different age groups, and years of experience working in any context of midwifery care in South Africa. Thirteen midwives participated and generated 19 themes that were finally put into two main themes. Data collection and analysis were done simultaneous. Findings Two main themes emerged: Basic education and training and work environment. Basic education remains a high priority, but needs to include more aspects focused on interpersonal skill, such as communication, stress management, team work, compassion, attitude and leadership. It also needs to focus on a selection process that evaluates character to ensure that the most suitable candidates are selected. The work environment also plays a significant role in the professional conduct of midwives. Excessive workload, lack of staff, poor work environment and limited support from management are some of the aspects that make it difficult for a midwife to be kept accountable. This difficult work environment causes feelings of stress and guilt and corrodes the motivation and work satisfaction of midwives. Furthermore, conflict between what is expected of a midwife in a professional sense and what is allowed in practice causes confusion, specifically in newly qualified midwives. In hospital settings the practice is task-orientated and doctor-centred, moving away from a professionalism that is autonomous and allows for decisions to be made on needs and care of patients. Often company values will differ from the midwife’s focus on patient-centred, individualised care to a bigger focus on productivity and financial efficiency. Conclusion The recommendations made focused on education, clinical practice and research development. Apart from the already existing curriculum that includes professional practice, it is important to include extensive modules on the development of interpersonal skills such as communication, team work, stress management and leadership. Clinical mentors are needed to guide students and demonstrate ethical principles and interpersonal skills. Recommendations for clinical practice include the improvement of clinical facilities with sufficient stock and equipment so that students can learn, but also for the best care of patients. To create a culture of excellence, practice must ensure clear guidelines on responsibility, well established processes for accountability and an environment that allows midwives to render safe and compassionate care. em2026 Nursing Science MCur Unrestricted SDG-03: Good health and well-being SDG-04: Quality education SDG-05: Gender equality SDG-08: Decent work and economic growth 2019-12-13T08:07:55Z 2019-12-13T08:07:55Z 2019/09/06 2019 Dissertation Hattingh, N 2019, Using a consensus method towards the promotion of professional conduct in midwifery in South Africa, MCur Dissertation, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, viewed yymmdd <http://hdl.handle.net/2263/72737> S2019 http://hdl.handle.net/2263/72737 en © 2019 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria. application/pdf University of Pretoria
spellingShingle UCTD
Health sciences theses SDG-03
Health sciences theses SDG-04
Health sciences theses SDG-05
Health sciences theses SDG-08
Using a consensus method towards the promotion of professional conduct in midwifery in South Africa
title Using a consensus method towards the promotion of professional conduct in midwifery in South Africa
title_full Using a consensus method towards the promotion of professional conduct in midwifery in South Africa
title_fullStr Using a consensus method towards the promotion of professional conduct in midwifery in South Africa
title_full_unstemmed Using a consensus method towards the promotion of professional conduct in midwifery in South Africa
title_short Using a consensus method towards the promotion of professional conduct in midwifery in South Africa
title_sort using a consensus method towards the promotion of professional conduct in midwifery in south africa
topic UCTD
Health sciences theses SDG-03
Health sciences theses SDG-04
Health sciences theses SDG-05
Health sciences theses SDG-08
url http://hdl.handle.net/2263/72737