Employing Yarning to Explore the Impact of Endorsed Midwives in an Aboriginal Medical Service

TL;DR

This study explores how endorsed midwives improve care for Aboriginal mothers and babies in a medical service through culturally safe practices and collaboration.

Contribution

The study introduces the use of yarning and Aboriginal advisory circles to explore endorsed midwives' roles in Aboriginal health services.

Findings

Endorsed midwives reported greater job satisfaction and flexibility in providing holistic care.

Aboriginal mothers valued trusting relationships and culturally appropriate care from endorsed midwives.

The study highlights the importance of culturally safe practices in improving maternal and infant outcomes.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the role of Endorsed Midwives employed in an Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS) and to assess the impact on Aboriginal mothers and babies using the service.

Current research on the role of the Endorsed Midwife (EM) is limited, with no available evidence regarding its application in an AMS setting. Health disparities persist in the outcomes of Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal mothers and babies. Aboriginal Community‐Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) strives to address these challenges by providing culturally safe maternity care. However, there is minimal evidence on the effectiveness of EMs in AMS settings.

This study used yarning to conduct interviews with EMs and Yorgas receiving care in an AMS in Western Australia.

Key themes identified from the EMs included greater job satisfaction, increased flexibility to deliver holistic care and enhanced collaboration within the multidisciplinary team. In contrast, the Yorgas emphasised the development of trusting relationships with the EMs and their appreciation for culturally appropriate, continuous care.

This study provides a holistic perspective on the role of EMs in AMS settings, contributing valuable knowledge to EMs' practice while amplifying the voices of Yorgas who accessed the AMS.

The results of this study indicate that EMs possess enhanced capacity and flexibility in their roles, which contributes to greater job satisfaction whilst better meeting the needs of Yorgas' birthing in AMSs.

This study explored the impact of Endorsed Midwives in an AMS. Endorsed midwives achieved greater job satisfaction and were well received by Aboriginal patients. This research increased knowledge of the benefits of Endorsed Midwives employed in an AMS, thereby enhancing the care of Aboriginal clients.

This study adhered to the SQRQ guidelines for reporting qualitative research.

The study was overseen by an Aboriginal advisory circle, who actively participated in the research process with a focus on culturally appropriate ways of knowing, being and doing research. The Advisory circle was involved from conception and design to data acquisition, analysis, as well as interpretation of data.

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