Research Pinpoints Strategies to Boost Midwife Wellbeing

Researchers have announced that a recent study has pinpointed the most effective methods for improving midwife wellbeing. Specifically, academics from the University of Bath (UOB) have released a stress audit tailored for midwives, alongside a review detailing the most impactful interventions. Dr. Rachel Arnold of the UOB stated that the impetus for this study came from “incredibly high levels” of midwife turnover and burnout observed locally. Jessica Murray, a retention support midwife at the Royal United Hospitals Trust (RUH), commented that the research offers “essential tools” to assist midwives experiencing stress. The Stress, Anxiety, Resilience, and Thriving (StART) research group at the UOB conducted this study, which received funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research through a collaborative effort between the university and the RUH. The stress audit revealed that the following factors were the primary contributors to negative impacts on midwives: Among the findings, community midwives were singled out as a group “particularly suffering” from workplace stress and anxiety, possibly stemming from working in unfamiliar settings. Dr. Rachel Arnold noted that the manner in which midwives “respond and cope” with stressors can influence their overall effect. She emphasized, “It’s really important with any intervention that the onus isn’t put entirely on the midwives themselves.” She added, “It needs to go hand-in-hand with an organisational intervention…. but the audit did identify ways midwives could better respond to and cope with those workplace stressors.” These methods included perceiving stressors as challenges and opportunities “to grow and develop and master something,” as well as utilizing social support networks. The second component of the research involved a “solution focused” review examining the most effective interventions for midwives. The review encompassed both individual interventions, like mindfulness and yoga, and organizational interventions, such as midwifery care models and reflective groups. Dr Moore stated: “What we found was both organisational and individual level interventions were effective, but organisational level interventions might be more effective for improving midwives’ health and wellbeing.” Ms. Murray indicated that the findings of the study would enable the RUH to better support its midwifery staff. She expressed, “We hope this will help to educate our workforce around occupational stress in the workplace, and support them to not only remain but also thrive in their roles.” For further engagement, BBC Somerset can be followed on Facebook and X. Story ideas can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright for this content is held by the BBC, 2024, with all rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites and provides information regarding its approach to external linking.