Preferences and deficits in midwifery care in Germany from the perspective of users and midwives: a qualitative explorative study

• Applicant: Dr. Gertrud M. Ayerle
• Subject Area: Public Health, Healthcare Research, Social and Occupational Medicine
• Term: from 2015 to 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 270656194

Background: Internationally, research is lacking which may have the capacity to guide and inform evidence-based care by midwives. In Germany, so far there is neither a research agenda nor any research that specifically addresses the priorities of users (women, life partnerships, families) regarding their health care by midwives. In order to explore health care problems, interventions, or outcomes that do not neglect the needs, interests and preferences of users, the participation of users has been called for not only in research projects, but already in the process of identifying research priorities and research questions [1].Objectives:The aim of the research project is to identify the preferences regarding midwifery care by both users and midwives and to deduce dominant themes for maternity care and midwifery research.Methods: This qualitative explorative research project is designed with reference to the hermeneutic approach according to Gadamer [2], which aims at a deepened and broad understanding of other perspectives. First, this is realized by an open approach and a reflective dialogue with the participants and the data by the research team, and secondly by an iterative process in data collection and analysis.Within a time frame of 12 months, there will be 14 focus groups with users and midwives in order to investigate their subjectively perceived preferences, or deficits, in midwifery care. The participants will be selected in two different states by means of a contrasting sampling technique based on various person-related characteristics. In order to safeguard an understanding that is based in data, the researchers will in case of unclear text passages call the respective participant by phone. The rights of users and midwives as participants as well as those of gatekeepers will be safeguarded.In the analysis, indicative statements for important themes of midwifery care and their meaning for the users and midwives in their respective context will be identified. These may refer to certain points in time, aspects, conditions, influencing factors, interventions, and outcomes of midwifery care.Relevancy: This research project will provide a significant empirical basis for the future development of a research agenda relating to midwifery care in Germany. This will not only base future midwifery research on user preferences, but also advance evidence-based midwifery care in Germany.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigators: Professorin Dr. Gabriele Meyer; Professor Dr. Michael Tchirikov