2016 Volume 19 Issue 3 Pages 33-40
Objective: The purpose of this study is to describe the collaboration between midwives affiliated with medical institutions and public health nurses（PHNs）working with health organizations by comparing facility types.
Method: We conducted a self-rating anonymous questionnaire survey that asks about collaboration with PHNs, and the necessity, methods, and particulars of the collaboration.
Results: The questionnaire was distributed to 1000 midwives, and 376 responses（38.0％）were received. Of these 183 were from midwives working in hospitals（48.7％）and 193 in clinics（51.3％）. For collaboration 88.6％ of the midwives reported “collaborating” with PHNs, and “if possible collaborating”. For the necessity of collaboration, 98.2% of the midwives answered that collaboration is “necessary” and “somewhat necessary” because there are limitations in assistance by medical institutions and increasing numbers of families at high risk. For collaboration methods, the frequency of phone communication scored the highest overall, and having case conferences and using written documents were significantly more frequent in hospitals. For collaborative activities, providing information was the most frequent, and being informed and confirming collaboration aims were significantly more frequent in hospitals. For the time to conduct activities, within working hours was the most frequent, and on days-off was significantly more frequent in clinics.
Conclusion: The midwives were collaborating with PHNs with awareness of the necessity of collaboration. They were also aware of the need to exchange information about families with problems. The findings suggest the necessity to build direct, close relationships through case conferences and meetings.
