Date of Award

Spring 2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Director of Thesis

Rhonda Johnson, DNP, CNE, CNM, FACNM

Second Reader

Berry Campbell, MD

Abstract

The purpose of this paper was to evaluate how obstetricians and midwives promote empowerment among patients and support effective collaboration between providers during pregnancy and childbirth. This thesis explores patient care and interprofessionalism as they relate to maternal health, addressing gaps in knowledge regarding how obstetricians and midwives practicing in or near Columbia, South Carolina view these concepts. An extensive literature review was conducted to fully understand pregnancy and childbirth across history and today, throughout the United States and beyond. Obstetrics, midwifery, and a comparison of these fields were explored thoroughly in addition to an analysis of maternal and infant health today in South Carolina. To incorporate novel research into this paper, twelve in-depth interviews (six ob-gyns, six midwives) were conducted between October 2023 and March 2024 to learn more about patient empowerment and collaboration between provider types. Findings were illustrated through two coding maps and eight key insights that demonstrated the value of establishing trust between patients and providers, which was supported by open-ended conversations and shared decision-making, as well as the importance of communication and respect for other provider types in strengthening interprofessional collaboration. The discussion of this paper explored the key insights, which illustrated a variety of experiences related to and opinions of collaboration between obstetricians and midwives, ranging from welcoming to skeptical. Primary conclusions of this research included the benefit of exposure to and thoughtful reflection surrounding other provider types in strengthening interprofessional collaboration.

First Page

1

Last Page

43

Rights

© Alexandra R. McDermott, 2024

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