Table 3 Factor analysis: pattern matrix, communalities, scale and factor reliability and means

Total scale (40 items)

237.93 (38.78)

Factor 1 – Meets the unique needs of the woman (12 items)

73.89 (10)

73. I employ a variety of strategies to adapt the environment to meet a woman’s needs

6.17 (.79)

77. I put as much effort into creating a positive experience as I do in achieving a good clinical outcome

6.32 (.86)

75. I have strategies for creating safe spaces for the woman

6.11 (.93)

70. I always make suggestions to enhance the normal physiology of pregnancy, birth or postpartum

6.32 (.85)

68. No matter what the situation I can always find a way to enhance the woman’s wellbeing

5.73 (.91)

76. I pay attention to the impact of the physical environment on a woman’s dignity

6.51 (.62)

66. I am always comfortable discussing spirituality with women

5.57 (1.2)

63. I always discuss a woman’s cultural needs with her

6.10 (.88)

58. I am flexible in accommodating a woman’s wishes & needs

6.18 (.69)

65. I always establish who is important to the woman be that partner, family member or friend

6.33 (.76)

59. I always identify the woman’s values and include these in discussions about care options

6.15 (.75)

71. I always provide information, so the woman understands the physiological processes of her own body

6.40 (.70)

Factor 2 – Balances the woman’s needs within the context of the maternity service (5 items)

26.6 (7.56)

78. ^aWomen’s expectations for positive childbearing experiences are too high

5.63 (1.57)

26. I don’t always follow hospital policy or prevailing clinical guidelines if that is not what the woman wants

4.64 (1.88)

55. ^aStandardising care with protocols ensures optimal outcomes for all women

4.55 (1.75)

57. ^aThe needs of the organisation mostly should take priority over the needs of the woman

6.28 (1.06)

29. The woman’s informed choice is more important than my professional expertise in making decisions

5.50 (1.28)

Factor 3 – Ensures midwifery philosophy underpins practice within the context of the maternity service

(4 items)

17.43 (6.69)

72. ^aGuidelines influence me to intervene even when I don’t think it is necessary

3.80 (1.60)

56. ^aI can't always personalise the woman's experience

4.46 (1.62)

33. ^aI struggle to maintain competence in all areas of midwifery practice

5.05 (1.80)

51.^a I am not always able to tailor care to the needs of each woman

4.12 (1.66)

Factor 4 –Working collaboratively for evidence-based practice

(7 items)

41.65 (7.03)

35. I always recognise when a woman's care requires referral to another health professional

6.29 (.69)

37. I actively seek feedback from women/others to evaluate my practice

5.63 (1.33)

34. I always provide my professional opinion even if other health care professionals don’t agree

5.20 (1.27)

23. I regularly examine the potential for my personal bias or agenda to influence the informed choice process

5.79 (1.18)

36. I know where to find evidence-based information to inform my practice

6.27 (.85)

38. I challenge others when a woman’s privacy is being compromised

6.23 (.83)

25. Every clinical decision I make is in collaboration with the woman

6.24 (.87)

Factor 5 – Works in partnership with the woman (12 items)

77.61 (7.91)

27. I always document the woman's choices

6.56 (.60)

52. I always use language that matches the woman’s levesl understanding

6.22 (.67)

62. I am comfortable involving family members or significant others when a woman wants this

6.52 (.69)

43. Sharing of responsibility requires adequate information

6.57 (.61)

39. I seek to minimise power imbalances through my speech and body language

6.31 (.80)

54. I accept that a woman can change her mind at any time regarding care

6.64 (.50)

40. Partnership means working closely with the woman and her significant others

6.65 (.63)

49. I am guided by the woman in relation to the involvement of support people

6.72 (.49)

48. I am interested in what a woman tells me about what is important to her

6.73 (.49)

45. I treat all women with courtesy no matter their life circumstances or decisions

6.73 (.49)

44. The relationship between a midwife and woman can influence clinical outcomes

6.51 (.67)

50. I ask questions about the woman’s social situation so I can offer better support

6.32 (.73)