Nursing time and activities during delivery period in cooperation with midwives and nurses in mixed wards

Abstract

Purpose

The rate of mixed wards in facilities dealing with childbirth is approximately 80%. This research aimed to clarify nursing time and activities during the intrapartum period in cooperation with midwives and nurses in mixed wards for improving the safety of maternity service.

Subjects and Methods

We defined the delivery period as the time from admission to check up two hours postpartum. During the delivery period, we measured nursing time and activities of all nursing staff providing care to the newborn and mother following vaginal delivery according to the time study method.

Result

There were 10 deliveries (primipara=4, multipara=6) during this 14-day investigation.

The median delivery period was 467.0 minutes, the median total staff was 6 midwives and 2 nurses per each newborn and mother. The median nursing time used by midwives was 436.5 minutes and 41.0 minutes for nurses.

Of 26 observed categories, midwives spent significant time on diagnosis, record keeping and direct assistance in delivery. Nurses spent significant time on neonatal care, indirect assistance in delivery, and preparation and cleanup related to medical examination and treatment.

The amount of nursing time and activities was dependent on case differences and the stage of labor. Nursing staff communicated effectively with one another during the time from admission to full dilation of the cervix, exchanged information and adjusted their duties.

Conclusion

Observed categories revealed that midwives and nurses shared one another's professional roles. Frequent communication to the second stage, adjusting duties for other patients and preparing for delivery is important in mixed wards.

Results suggested that safe delivery is ensured when midwives and nurses are able to devote themselves to support for the second and third stages of labor.