Exploring Nurse perceptions of structural empowerment in midwifery practice in Saudi Arabia: A qualitative study

Abstract

Perceptions and experiences of midwives regarding structural empowerment during practice in Saudi Arabia were explored using a qualitative, constructive, descriptive design. Data was gathered using individual semi-structured interviews with ten midwives employed in delivery rooms, and prenatal and postnatal units of governmental hospitals in Saudi Arabia’s eastern province. Data was analyzed with assistance of NVivo software, Version 12. Five themes emerged from our study: the meaning of structural empowerment, ambiguous hospital policies, the insufficient numbers of midwives, midwife-physician dynamics, and continuing education and training. Structural empowerment of midwives in maternity units may be useful in improving midwifery services in Saudi Arabia and worldwide.

ACCESSIBLE SUMMARY

What is the further research?

Further studies on this topic should expand the current study’s sample and include participants from more regions of Saudi Arabia. In addition, research on the psychological empowerment of midwives is needed.

What is known on the subject?

Midwives are educated to care for women during pregnancy, birth, and postnatal, and midwives must be empowered to fulfill this professional role. The evidence showed the importance of structural empowerment for midwives to perform their professional function and provide quality care for women during pregnancy, birth, and postnatal.

What does this paper add to existing knowledge?

In Saudi Arabia, there is little research evidence on how to explore the perceptions and experiences of structural empowerment among midwives. Our study provided valuable recommendations for identifying environmental practices, positive workplace characteristics, and promoting higher-quality midwifery in the workplace.

What are the implications for practice?

Midwife workplace empowerment is correlated with the quality of care, job satisfaction, staff effectiveness, and the positivity of the work environment. The results of this study suggest that every healthcare organization must work to bring about structural empowerment for midwives to facilitate successful practice.

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the Deanship of Scientific Research, College of Nursing Research Centre at King Saud University for funding this research.

Authors’ contributions

A.O Conceived the study and collected the data. S.Y, S.H D.M AND NA determined the methodology and wrote the background section, A.O, S.Y, S.H, D.M AND NA wrote the discussion. All authors reviewed and amended the manuscript before submitting for publication.

Ethical considerations

The research and interview process commenced after the ethics committee of the University approved (Institutional Review Board - King Saud University—Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) with log No.KSU-HE-21-50. And Qatif Central Hospital approval with QCH-SREC0254/2021).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.