Table 5 Positive aspects of caseload for midwives
Theme | Baseline caseload (n = 20) | Baseline standard care (n = 117) | Total baseline (n = 137) | Two years caseload (n = 22) | Two years standard care (n = 120) | Total two years (n = 144) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Â | n | % | n | % | n | % | n | % | n | % | n | % |
Continuity and relationships with known women | 11 | 55 | 68 | 58 | 79 | 58 | 17 | 77 | 76 | 63 | 93 | 65 |
Job satisfaction | 5 | 25 | 51 | 44 | 56 | 41 | 16 | 73 | 36 | 30 | 52 | 36 |
Autonomy, responsibility, accountability | 11 | 55 | 36 | 31 | 47 | 34 | 5 | 23 | 21 | 18 | 26 | 18 |
Flexibility (work hours, no shifts) | 14 | 70 | 28 | 24 | 42 | 31 | 12 | 55 | 23 | 19 | 35 | 24 |
Utilising midwifery skills and knowledge across all practice areas | 8 | 40 | 27 | 23 | 35 | 26 | 2 | 9 | 17 | 14 | 19 | 13 |
Caring for women who are more empowered and informed | 5 | 25 | 12 | 10 | 17 | 12 | 5 | 23 | 34 | 28 | 39 | 27 |
Women-centred, holistic | 2 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 11 | 8 | 2 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 6 |
Teamwork | 3 | 15 | 7 | 6 | 10 | 7 | 2 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 4 |
Raising profile of midwifery | 1 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 14 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 4 |
Increased self-confidence | 1 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | - | - | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Lighter workload/more controlled/‘normal’ | - | - | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | - | - | 2 |  | 2 | 1 |
Improved lifestyle (more time at home) | 1 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 22 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 5 |
Good remuneration | - | - | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | - | - | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
Assists with ward/unit workload | - | - | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | - | - | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 |