Which factors are associated with attitudes of midwives toward full scope of practice?

Abstract

Objective: Approximately 50% of registered midwives practice full scope of practice in Ontario, Canada, as they are regulated to do so by the College of Midwives of Ontario (CMO). Full scope of practice is defined as the practice of midwifery as outlined by the CMO and includes management of childbirth complicated by oxytocin induction and/or augmentation and epidural analgesia. Scope of practice restrictions have been attributed to midwifery attitudes toward full scope of practice. This study aims to identify factors that predict favourable attitudes of Ontario midwives toward full scope of practice.