Program
Nurse-Midwifery M.S.
Number of Pages
45
Year Approved
2025
First Advisor
Hardy, Paige
Second Reader
Katrina Wu
Abstract
Introduction: Early models of interprofessional collaborative care suggest that when there is a collaboration between midwives and physicians, the outcomes for mothers and babies are improved. The purpose of this integrative review of the relevant literature is to identify the facilitators and barriers to collaborative relationships between physicians and midwives.
Methods: A keyword search was done using the Science Direct, PubMed, and CINAHL databases. Inclusion criteria were that they must be original research, identify facilitators and barriers in interprofessional collaborative relationships, and include healthcare professionals involved in maternity care. The database search yielded a total of 348 articles, which were uploaded into Covidence to assist with this review. A total of twenty-two original research articles were identified that met all inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Results: Findings from this review identified seven overarching themes of facilitators to interprofessional collaboration between physicians and midwives. These were trust and respect, communication, professional autonomy, role clarity, supportive work environments, training and education, and shared vision and goals. In addition, barriers to these facilitators were also addressed.
Discussion: The seven key themes found in this review agree with previous research on this topic. Focused and ongoing efforts need to be made to promote collaborative relationships between physicians and midwives. At an individual level, providers need to be willing to communicate and lay aside barriers to collaboration. Additionally, organizations need to be committed to supporting and facilitating interprofessional collaboration. Strengths of this review include the global representation of the studies included, showing this is a concern worldwide. A limitation of this review is found in the fact that since these studies were conducted in a wide range of settings, some of the findings may not be applicable to every situation. There is a need for further research to be done on successful interprofessional collaborative models.
Degree Name
M.S. Nurse-Midwifery
Document Type
Masterʼs thesis
Recommended Citation
Lambright, K. D., & Martin, A. E. (2025). Facilitators and Barriers to Interprofessional Collaboration Between Physicians and Midwives: An Integrative Review [Masterʼs thesis, Bethel University]. Spark Repository. https://spark.bethel.edu/etd/1191
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