%0 Journal Article
%T A concurrent mixed-method study exploring the experiences of interprofessional collaboration among Canadian midwives and obstetricians.
%A El Hussein MT
%A Jacoby S
%A Mclarnon M
%A Favell D
%A Dosani A
%J J Adv Nurs
%V 0
%N 0
%D 2024 Apr 3
%M 38570936
%F 3.057
%R 10.1111/jan.16183
%X <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>This study explores the experiences of interprofessional collaboration of Canadian midwives and obstetricians from midwives' perspective.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>A concurrent mixed-methods approach that combined a small validation study and qualitative thematic analysis was used to provide evidence of the nature and importance of collaboration between Registered Midwives (RMs) and obstetricians.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Eighteen RMs across Canada completed a demographic survey and the Midwifery-Obstetrician Collaboration (MOC) scale in 2023. The quantitative analyses were conducted to assess the reliability of the Midwifery-Obstetrician Collaboration (MOC) and accumulate preliminary evidence to support its validity. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 participants. After completing the interviews, themes were identified using thematic analysis.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>The primary themes identified were knowledge of midwifery scope affects collaboration, collaboration is necessary for effective patient care, midwife-physician collaboration is impacted by power differentials and hierarchies, and proposed methods to improve physician-midwife collaboration. Although a small sample size did not permit extensive statistical testing, the quantitative results supported the reliability of the MOC scale. In addition, a strong correlation between the MOC and the communication subscale of the Inter-Professional Collaboration (IPC) scale provided evidence of the MOC's concurrent validity as a measure of collaboration between midwives and physicians.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>This study provides support for the Midwifery-Obstetrics Collaboration (MOC) Scale as an assessment tool to evaluate collaboration between midwives and OB/GYNs in obstetrics care. While the 18 RMs recruited for this study provided a fulsome analysis for the qualitative portion, a larger study is necessary to provide more extensive quantitative analysis to validate the MOC scale for continued use among RMs and OBs.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>The implications of this study are to foster strong interprofessional relationships between midwives and OBs and to improve the health outcomes of pregnant women and newborns.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>The authors adhered to Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ).