Midwives’ well-being following adverse events – what does the research indicate?

Abstract

This paper explores the current influences and expectations in relation to adverse events in New Zealand’s maternity setting and the affect these have on midwives. Midwives, like other health professionals, have the potential to become the second victim, a term used to encompass the health professional’s feelings of despair following an adverse event. Insights from international research and reports are related back to midwifery and a growing number of New Zealand qualitative studies that identify the effect of adverse effects on midwives are highlighted. The evidence indicates that the current tools or support measures that are implemented at the individual or group level may be limited in their effectiveness. Common principles emerge from the literature that could facilitate a midwife’s safe journey through the emotional distress when there is an adverse event. These are: understanding the nature of midwifery practice, the midwife’s own emotional well-being, providing safe environments, seeking and receiving professional reassurance, and a willingness to learn from the adverse advent. An action research study is planned by the primary author to work with midwives about their experiences of successfully navigating adverse events with the aim of facilitating accessible support to reduce the trauma of adverse events. For midwives to be able to support women and their families they too need to be supported.