Obstetric care: competition or co-operation.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of co-operation within maternity and obstetric care between midwives, general practitioners (GPs) and obstetricians.


METHODS
descriptive correlational study.


METHODS
The Netherlands. Policy is towards more co-operation between primary and secondary health care. However, in Dutch health care midwives, GPs and obstetricians may also have conflicts of interests.


METHODS
members of obstetric co-operation groups (91 midwives, 53 GPs, 31 obstetricians) completed a questionnaire.


RESULTS
in the questionnaire information was collected on what members of obstetric co-operative groups expect from co-operation. Findings indicated that consensus existed about experienced advantages and disadvantages of co-operation, tasks that should be achieved, and how obstetric co-operative groups could be set up. Nevertheless, there was evidence of competition and there were also conflicting ideas about co-operation.


CONCLUSIONS
it is concluded that the findings have implications for the organisation of an obstetric co-operative group. If professionals want to start such a group it is preferable to start with topics that benefit all participants (win-win situation) and motivate them to participate actively. A second step may be an attempt to reach agreement about how to communicate with each other in the case of referrals and consultations. During this phase mutual trust and respect may grow, so that finally more difficult problems can be discussed (mixed-motives situation).
de Veer
A J
AJ
Meijer
W J
WJ
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003163:Competitive Behavior; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D005194:Family Practice / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands; D009721:Nurse Midwives / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000523:psychology; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires