Prospective semistructured observational study to identify risk attributable to staff deployment, training, and updating opportunities for midwives.
OBJECTIVE
To identify potential risk or mishap in the system of intrapartum care, relating to the deployment of midwives.


METHODS
Prospective semistructured observational study.


METHODS
Labour wards of seven maternity units in the north west of England.


METHODS
All midwives working on the labour ward during the observation period in 2000.


METHODS
"Latent failures" within the system relating to midwifery staffing levels, deployment, and training or updating opportunities.


RESULTS
Despite the exemplary dedication of midwives, potential risk of mishap due to their deployment occurred within the system of care. A shortfall of midwives existed in all seven maternity units and was most acute in the largest units. Six units relied on bank midwives to maintain minimum staffing levels. High risk practices (oxytocin administration and epidural blockades) continued during midwifery shortfalls in all units. Some adverse events and "near misses" were attributable to midwifery shortages in all units, and near misses remained unreported in all units. Uptake of opportunities for training or updating in interpretation of cardiotocographs and obstetric emergency management remained low owing to midwifery shortages in all units. A poor skill mix of midwives occurred at times in all units. In six units midwives spent time away from clinical areas performing clerical duties. In three units team midwifery systems were reported to erode labour ward skills and confidence.


CONCLUSIONS
Midwives are fundamental components in the system of intrapartum care, and the system cannot operate safely and effectively when the number of midwives is inadequate, midwives are poorly deployed, and they are unable to engage in opportunities for training and updating.
Ashcroft
Brenda
B
School of Health Care Professions, University of Salford, Greater Manchester M6 6PU, UK. B.Ashcroft@salford.ac.uk
Elstein
Max
M
Boreham
Nicholas
N
Holm
Soren
S
D003696:Delivery Rooms / Q000458:organization & administration; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008880:Midwifery / Q000193:education; D009721:Nurse Midwives / Q000193:education / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011446:Prospective Studies; D006113:United Kingdom; D000078329:Workforce