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Learning Objective 1: The learner will understand the benefits of applying a bottom up approach in a leadership project.
Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to describe the organization of midwifery home services in Switzerland.
After childbirth families experience fragmented care which is not coordinated between the involved professional groups. The trend to earlier discharge increased new mother’s demand for midwifery home care, yet there are not sufficient midwives to provide such services. The fragmented care system combined with the shortage of midwifery services in Switzerland hampers the provision of health promoting care for families postpartum.
Our leadership project aims at developing coordinated, safe and need-oriented postnatal care provision by independent midwives and other involved professional groups.
Methods
Based on the leadership model of Kouzes and Posner we engage independent midwives to develop a concept for coordinated postnatal care in a bottom-up approach. First, we invited four independent midwives with leadership responsibilities in the regional midwives’ association to collaborate in the project team. Together we developed our vision of an optimal postnatal care provision which was then presented to the assembly of the regions’ independent midwives. Second, we analyze the needs of new parents in focus groups, evaluate different models to coordinate care and invite all local midwives to select a model in a joint workshop. Third, the project team elaborates a concept to implement the chosen model into practice and coordinates midwifery services with the care provided by other involved professionals.
Results
Midwives in the project team experience professional empowerment by actively shaping their own future of midwifery service provision. They learn to better understand the needs of their clients and to adopt an interdisciplinary view of collaboration. During the process, they acquire new skills of project management and leadership.
Families with newborns will benefit of accessible and family friendly midwifery services which are coordinated with the care provision of other providers.
Conclusion
Providing need-oriented postnatal care has the potential to strengthen newborn, maternal and family health from the earliest stage.
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