Abstract
ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore Vietnamese midwives’ experiences of working in maternity care. MethodsA descriptive qualitative study was undertaken, which involved four focus group discussions with midwives (n = 25) working at three different hospitals in urban, semi-urban and rural parts of Hanoi region, Vietnam. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. ResultsThe overall theme, “Practising midwifery requires commitment” showed that Vietnamese midwives’ dedication to their work and to women’s reproductive health helped them to cope with stress, pressure and negative aspects of their work environment. In the first category “Being the central link in the web of care”, midwives described themselves as having a key role in maternity care although collaborations with other health professions were important. In the second category “Rewarding role but also vulnerable position”, positive aspects of midwifery were expressed although the great pressure of the work midwives do was prominent. High workload, patients’ demands, and being negatively exposed and vulnerable, when adverse events occurred, were reported. In the third category “Morally challenging tasks”, ultrasound examinations to reveal fetal sex and working with abortion services were described as emotionally stressful. ConclusionsAlthough participating Vietnamese midwives experienced midwifery as essentially positive, they felt exposed to significant workload pressure, ethically highly demanding work and being blamed when adverse obstetric events occurred. Public health interventions to inform Vietnamese citizens about reproductive issues, as well as specific antenatal education measures may increase the understanding of evidence-based maternity care and complications that can occur during pregnancy and birth.
Highlights
Midwifery care is key to improving sexual, reproductive, maternal and newborn health
Framed in a naturalistic paradigm [29], a descriptive study was undertaken, which involved focus group discussions (FGDs) with mid wives working in Vietnamese maternity care
Semi-urban and rural parts of the Hanoi region, Vietnam were purposively selected for recruitment of midwives as participants
Summary
Midwifery care is key to improving sexual, reproductive, maternal and newborn health. In order to accelerate reduction in morbidity and mortality among women and babies in low and middle income coun tries, there is a need to increase the midwifery workforce and improve their working conditions [1]. Due to the nature of the work, midwifery can be emotionally challenging as it deals with birth and death, including moments of both joy and sadness, as well as physical and emotional pain [2]. Midwives experience different kinds of work-related psychological distress including occupational and organisational sources of stress [3]. High workload due to low staffing levels, lack of continuity of carer, low support from colleagues, chal lenging clinical situations and low levels of clinical autonomy, are all found to be correlated with poor emotional wellbeing among midwives [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
