Midwives' and physicians' experiences in collaborative practice: A qualitative study

Abstract

G roup endeavors, such as interdisciplinary collaborative maternity practices, have become a key concept in the current market-driven health care environment. Collaborative practice (CP) is viewed as one way of reaching the goals of cost-effective health services delivery systems that improve access, offer quality care, and provide patient satisfaction.*-” To work successfully as a group endeavor, Cl’ requires “immense effort, training, and cooperation.“l However, there is very little literature describing or analyzing research that explains the fundamental variables that affect certified nurse-midwife (CNM) and physician Cl’. Besides case studies at the individual practice or institutional leve1,5-9 and the speculative pieces (“Should you add a nurse-midwife to your practice?“),” a review of the Cl’ literature revealed only two research studies on the state or regional leve1,‘7,‘2 and only two studies on the national level.‘“,” Although these studies describe the prevalence of CP,11,13 conflict among practitioners,i2 interprofessional attitudes,*’ and patient satisfaction,‘” none examine the variables contributing to successful Cl’. To better understand this form of CP, the author undertook a two-part study to discover different models of Cl’ and to explore the attitudes and experiences of providers who participate in Cl%.