Speaker: Wendy Foster
Facilitators: Belle Bruce and Siti Khuzaiyah
Problem: Across the globe midwives are leaving the profession. Moral distress may contribute to this attrition. While moral distress is broadly understood within health care disciplines a contextual understanding of moral distress in midwifery is limited. Current tools available to screen for moral distress are not as suitable for use in midwifery practice.
Methodology: This project is an exploratory sequential mixed methods design that occurred across four phases; concept analysis, in-depth interviews, an e-Delphi study and a pilot study. This presentation will present key findings from the first three phases.
Results: Midwives report feeling demoralised and confirmed the presence of moral distress in practice due to excessive workloads, unnecessary intervention and hierarchical medical systems. Health care organisations are identified as placing midwives in morally compromising situation that are significant factors in the development of moral distress. Negative psychological outcomes are a key feature in moral distress with midwives describing symptoms of work-related stress and anxiety, increased sick/personal leave, feelings of powerlessness and burnout. Importantly it was identified that moral distress was likely to occur across a continuum from low (moral frustration), moderate (moral distress) and severe (moral injury). A pilot tool to screen for moral distress across a continuum has been developed.
Conclusion: Moral distress is a significant issue in midwifery practice. The development of the midwifery moral distress screening tool has enhanced the conceptual understanding. This study has provided additional language for midwives to describe their experiences and may assist organisations to identify and address ethical challenges within workplaces.
Recording https://youtu.be/Czfj3EUg6g4
Speaker: Linda Sweet and Vidanka Vasilevski
Facilitators: Paola Wilkin and Diana Adarmes
Waste disposal is a significant cost to healthcare organisations. This study sought to understand the impact of a midwife-led intervention to improve waste segregation on staff knowledge and attitudes, waste volume, and waste management-related costs.
Design: A multi-method study including pre and post intervention staff waste management knowledge and attitude surveys and waste audits of bins located on the postnatal ward.
Methods: The intervention included education sessions, posters and signage by waste bins, and monthly newsletters distributed throughout 2021 to raise staff awareness of correct waste segregation processes. Pre-and post-intervention surveys were distributed in early 2021 and early 2022 respectively. The waste audits occurred on three occasions in 2021. The waste audit included total waste in kilograms, waste in kilograms by segregation, and identification of correct and incorrect segregation. Waste audit and quantitative staff survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi square. Qualitative data from the staff surveys were analysed using content analysis.
Results: Knowledge and attitudes to waste management were similar across pre- and post-intervention staff surveys. Knowledge of accurate allocation of specific items to waste streams was variable with errors identified in both the pre-and post-surveys. Waste audit data showed reductions in clinical waste at each measurement, with a 71.2% decrease in clinical waste from baseline to the final audit. The accuracy of waste segregation also improved from the baseline to final audit, resulting in a 48% reduction in waste management costs.
Conclusion: The midwife-led initiative improved waste segregation and achieved waste management cost reduction.
Recording: https://youtu.be/54KV1prNN_w
Speaker: Brenda Araujo Salas
Facilitator: Paloma Terra
A partir de las ilustraciones elaboradas por Yaquemilsa Matiashi Vicente, una joven madre del pueblo Matsigenka, perteneciente a la amazonía peruana, describiremos las prácticas tradicionales en salud materna que aún se mantienen vigentes en las comunidades más alejadas de la vida moderna. Se describirán las concepciones y prácticas culturales durante la primera menstruación, los cuidados en el embarazo, la atención del parto por parte de la familia y parteras, y los cuidados en el posparto.
Conocer gráficamente las prácticas en salud materna a través de la mirada de una mujer del mismo pueblo, nos permite visualizar detalles significativos que se dan en la los cuidados de las mujeres gestantes y los recién nacidos. La importancia de este material es educativa y en favor de una mejora en la atención del parto para fundar la comprensión y el respeto a las costumbres y participación de las parteras y especialistas tradicionales de salud, ya que, actualmente, gran parte de las comunidades amazónicas tienen acceso a establecimientos de salud, pero estos ofrecen servicios sin pertinencia cultural. Por otro lado, el material también permite el reconocimiento de la importancia de los conocimientos de las mujeres Matsigenka en los niños, niñas y adolescentes.
English:
From the illustrations elaborated by Yaquemilsa Matiashi Vicente, a young mother of the Matsigenka people, belonging to the Peruvian Amazon, we will describe the traditional practices in maternal health that are still in force in the communities farthest away from modern life. We will describe the cultural conceptions and practices during the first menstruation, pregnancy care, childbirth care by the family and midwives, and postpartum care.
The graphic presentation of maternal health practices through the eyes of a woman from the same village allows us to visualize significant details in the care of pregnant women and newborns. The importance of this material is educational and in favor of an improvement in childbirth care, in order to establish understanding and respect for the customs and participation of midwives and traditional health specialists, since, at present, most Amazonian communities have access to health facilities, but these offer services without cultural relevance. On the other hand, the material also allows the recognition of the importance of Matsigenka women’s knowledge in children and adolescents.
Recording: https://youtu.be/voZyHiTevvw
Title: Changing the course of history – Midwives, Midwifery
Speaker: Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent
Facilitator(s): Cecilia Jevitt
This session describes the impact of midwives as a ripple through generations and the significant contribution midwives make throughout the life course. Listeners will be challenged to reflect on their contribution to childbirth experiences and outcomes within the context of the changing world. Years from now will we throw up our hands or role up our sleeves? The session will end with a call to action.
Recording: https://youtu.be/RNcRroY3U2k
Speaker: Ang Broadbridge and Rachel McDonald
Facilitator: Raissa Manika Purwaningtias
Abstract:
Abstract summary: Sharing learning from four prototypes in the North East of England where we have developed new maternal mental health supports through collaboration and co-production across sectors, with key indicators of building sustainability Background – Project demonstrates improved maternal mental health through integrating third sector support into the pathway to reduce health inequalities and increase sustainability supporting the best start in life agenda with benefits for women, partners, their babies and the whole family unit in the perinatal period. The MMHS social prescribing link worker model aims to provide evidence based maternal mental health support based in the third sector: • The perinatal period is a time when women have regular contact with services, when there is a crucial window of opportunity to support a best start. • Building and integrating flexible third sector provision with referrals from midwifery, health visiting, mental health and community teams to overcome workforce capacity and waiting list pressures and threshold barriers complementing statutory offers through specialist, personalised non-clinical support Discussion • Project addresses health inequalities, issues for ethically minoritised communities and social determinants of health including sustainability and accessibility in rural and remote communities • Evidences benefits for mum and infant as well as wider family unit • Indicators of sustainability – developing sustainable community support networks, reducing duplication, developing eco-friendly accessible digital resources and supports and increasing digital inclusion Conclusion – Innovative and flexible approaches developed through cross-sector collaboration leading to sustainable practice and initiatives
Recording: https://youtu.be/ZwyvGbl7eNw
The Role of Midwifery in Respectful Maternal Care and Mental Health through the Wellbeing Foundation Africa’s Mamacare360 Program
Speaker: Toyin Saraki
Co-Presenters: Dr. Pragya Vishwakarma, Ms. Eunice AlexGreat Akhigbe
Facilitator(s): Halima Abdul
Abstract:
The Mamacare360 program, implemented by the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) Midwives, is aligned with Goal 3 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which aims to ensure good health and wellbeing for all. Central to its mission is the enhancement of maternal health through the promotion of Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) for all women throughout the continuum of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. Recognising the pivotal role of the relationship between pregnant women and their primary healthcare providers in shaping health outcomes for both mother and newborn, WBFA highlights the significance of this connection in fostering postnatal health and wellbeing.
Respectful maternity care is upheld as a fundamental human right, deserving of every childbearing woman within every healthcare system globally (WRA, 2010). WBFA advocates for this principle, emphasising the inherent dignity and autonomy of women throughout the childbirth process. This ethos is echoed in the Lancet Midwifery Series (2014), which asserts that midwifery is indispensable in addressing the challenges associated with delivering high-quality maternal and newborn care universally. Moreover, it is recognized as an effective strategy for promoting the health and wellbeing of women of reproductive age, newborns, and their families, thereby exerting a significant and sustainable impact on population health outcomes. Through a grassroots and community-led approach, Mamacare360 not only delivers essential maternal and child health services but also fosters a culture of empowerment and resilience among women.
This presentation will explore the multifaceted impact of Mamacare360, with a particular emphasis on the transformative power of midwifery. By bringing skilled midwives directly to the doorsteps of communities, the program ensures access to quality prenatal, childbirth, and postnatal care, thereby reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. By engaging with local women as advocates and educators, Mamacare360 cultivates a sense of ownership over maternal health, fostering sustainable improvements in healthcare-seeking behaviours.
The Mamacare360 program also acknowledges the often-overlooked aspect of maternal mental health. Recognising the profound impact of psychological wellbeing on maternal and child outcomes, the program integrates mental health support into its holistic approach. Through counselling, peer support groups, and community outreach initiatives, Mamacare360 addresses the unique challenges faced by mothers, promoting mental resilience and overall wellbeing.
Recording: https://youtu.be/8l4fhB_1C88
Enhancing Obstetric Prehospital Care: Insights from Midwives in Lima, Peru
Speaker: Ginger Garcia
Facilitator(s): Susana Ku
Abstract:
This presentation delves into the experiences of a dedicated group of midwives in Lima, Peru, who possess specialized training to provide prehospital care during natural disasters. Peru’s diverse climate often leads to natural disasters that directly impact communities, underscoring the critical need for immediate attention in such situations. While the overarching approach is holistic, special emphasis is placed on the most vulnerable populations, including women, children, and the elderly. The goal is to deliver swift and timely care, focusing on prevention and support for women amidst crises. Furthermore, sustainability is prioritized, with an emphasis on resource efficiency and waste reduction, promoting natural childbirth, exclusive breastfeeding, and optimal nutrition. Recognizing the adverse effects of climate change on maternal and fetal health, proactive measures are taken to address eventualities swiftly and effectively.
Check the time in your location: https://bit.ly/VIDM24-closing-session
Recording: Not Available
