Single registered midwives contributing care for general patients: a scoping study

Background: Midwifery vacancies persist in small maternity units Australian rural and private settings where midwives are expected to also care for general (non-maternity) patients when midwifery activity is low. Recruiting dual registered nurse/midwives over single preferred, as seen inflexible assist with nursing work. Little known about midwives’ contribution of units. Objective: This scoping study aimed consult managers determine perspectives on the workload encompasses both patients, inform further research. Study design methods: used a qualitative description design. Two online focus groups were held, one containing three midwives, other midwives. Similar questions posed each group Data analysis was conducted collaboratively through coding thematic categorisation processes. Results: Four major categories found. Single scope practice concerning undefined; possess transferrable clinical skills applicable patients; practical, professional, emotional barriers exist single-registered units; future research recommendations include workplace experiences. Discussion: Persistent implicated closure detriment childbearing families. Understanding will recruitment strategies improve access services. Conclusion: The experiences working warrants investigation. contributes literature suggests considerations Implications research, policy practice: Findings from this provide information there an expectation contribute addition midwifery. Future into these generate strategies, potentially improving may be review regulation educational standards. What already topic? regional areas comprises practice, despite recruit nurse/midwives. Dual registrants face challenges maintaining professional obligations There increasing numbers registering year Australia opportunities become midwife settings. paper adds: make useful units, they patients. assisting not defined. Recommendations faced by because their midwife-only qualification.