Exploration of the concept of trust within the midwife-mother relationship

Lewis, Marie 2015. Exploration of the concept of trust within the midwife-mother relationship. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Background: Evidence from midwifery research, policy and guidelines indicates that trust within the midwife-mother relationship is an important element of care provision, yet it is poorly defined as a concept. Aim: The aim of the study was to explore the concept of trust within the midwife-mother relationship increasing understanding of the individual’s experience of trust and its meaning to women. Methodology: The Hybrid model for concept analysis was the framework for the study, combining theory and empirical data enabled the researcher to develop a deeper analytic understanding of the phenomenon and the meaning behind how it was experienced. Longitudinal semi-structured interviews were carried out at the beginning of pregnancy, thirty-seven weeks and eight weeks postnatal with a purposive sample of ten women with straightforward pregnancy. Participants were a mix of first time mothers and those having subsequent babies selected from a Health Board that provides midwife-led care. Analysis: Data analysis was conducted using Nvivo 9 software to organise the data into initial themes. Themes were taken back to participants to guide subsequent interviews clarifying their meaning, authenticity and ensuring that the data gathered reflected their personal insight. Findings: “Building blocks” were an analogy identified within the participant interviews which capture the evolving nature of trust. The participants described an initial trust associated with an expectation of assumed competence in the midwife. The core attribute was identified as the relationship between midwife and mother. The concept of trust was interwoven with women’s agency, women expressed a desire to develop a two-way trust that included the midwife trusting the woman. Implications: In order to develop evolved trust, maternity services need to develop systems that allow midwives to establish empathetic, reciprocal relationships and work in partnership with the women.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Healthcare Sciences
Funders:	RCM Ruth Davies Bursary, Powys Teaching Health Board
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	30 March 2016
Last Modified:	22 Apr 2016 04:17
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/74712

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