Factors influencing the patient safety awareness of midwives

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that influence patient safety awareness of midwives and to obtain fundamental data for midwifery postgraduate education on patient safety. We conducted a quantitative cross-sectional survey by self-reported questionnaire in 1005 full-time midwives working in 68 hospitals in Kanto Area, Japan. The questionnaire included the professional autonomy in midwifery, the Japanese Burnout Scale, awareness of patient safety and demographic characteristics. The survey response rate was 74.8% (n=752) and the valid response rate was 59.5% (n=598). The multiple regression analysis indicated that the factor affecting awareness of patient safety of midwives were participation in patient safety training, tocology training, years of experience as midwife, clinical practice, independent judgment, emotional exhaustion and reduced personal accomplishment. The results of the study suggested that carrier support, improved work environment and psychological support to raise the awareness in patient safety of midwifery is needed.