21 Linking wisdom to professionalism and quality of care in midwifery practice

Speaker:- Celine Lemay

Facilitator:- Michelle Skaer Therrien

Abstract:- Background: In a context of technical rationality midwives often experience ethical tensions between two simultaneous injunctions: adopt a standardized care and also give a woman individualized care. After seeing a college of midwives linking wisdom with professionalism there was a need to deepen the understanding of practical wisdom (phronesis) and its place in midwifery practice. Objective: explore how practical wisdom can be learned, taught, develop and cultivate particularly in midwifery care. Method: A review of literature was undertaken, screening electronic databases of scientific papers published between 2000 and 2022. It ends up with 35 texts (articles, theses and books) from various health disciplines discussing different aspects and issues related to practical wisdom in healthcare. Results: Practical wisdom is a process of using discernment and deliberation in order to decide what is the best action to take for the good of a patient in a context of care. It is pivotal to meet the challenges of complexity. It is developed from experience and can be cultivated by reflective practice. It can be taught by experienced practitioners and the central place of narratives helps students to learn how to make decisions in conditions of uncertainty and develop the ability to make professional judgement. Conclusion: Practical wisdom can honour the ethos of midwifery while enabling midwives to use EBM In all contexts of care. It gives a strong support to reflective practise and is even seen as a mean to flourish as professionals.

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