ABSTRACT
AIM To identify factors that have enabled some New Zealand general practitioner obstetricians (GPOs) to continue providing maternity care and factors implicated in decisions to withdraw from maternity care. METHOD Semi-structured interviews and one focus group (n = 3) were conducted with 23 current and former GPOs. Interviews were transcribed and analysed thematically. RESULTS Current and former GPOs practiced maternity care because they enjoyed being involved in the birth process and delivery suite environment. Their maternity practice was framed by a philosophy of lifelong continuity of care for patients. CONCLUSION GPOs still practicing in New Zealand do so because they find maternity care highly rewarding despite their perceptions that the current maternity care model is incompatible with general practice. They have often developed local solutions that support their practice, particularly around shared care arrangements.
Subject(s)
Delivery, Obstetric , General Practitioners , Adult , Female , Focus Groups , Humans , Interviews as Topic , Male , Maternal Health Services , Middle Aged , New Zealand , Qualitative ResearchABSTRACT
A rapid decline in the number of general practitioners practicing obstetrics followed legislative changes in New Zealand during the early 1990s that changed the maternity care landscape. The resulting repositioning of maternity care professions has seen medical dominance give way to midwifery dominance in the maternity marketplace. Drawing on our research, we suggest that current and former general practitioner obstetricians harbor grievances relating to (1) the loss of obstetrics from the 'cradle to grave' philosophy of general practice, and (2) policies encouraging competition between maternity care providers. We argue that these perspectives represent truth games that are generated by the disciplinary blocks of the maternity care professions, and reveal the moral nature of the political economy of maternity care.
Subject(s)
General Practitioners , Midwifery , Obstetrics/economics , Anthropology, Medical , Humans , New Zealand , Prenatal Care/economics , WorkforceABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) model of maternity care, and independent midwifery practice, was introduced to New Zealand in the 1990s. The LMC midwife or general practitioner obstetrician (GPO) has clinical and budgetary responsibility for women's primary maternity care. AIMS: To determine views of practising GPOs and former GPOs about the LMC model of care, its impact on maternity care in general practice, and future of maternity care in general practice. METHODS: 10 GPOs and 13 former GPOs were interviewed: one focus group (n = 3), 20 semi-structured interviews. The qualitative data analysis program ATLAS.ti assisted thematic analysis. RESULTS: Participants thought the LMC model isolates the LMC - particularly concerning during intrapartum care, in rural practice, and covering 24-hour call; Is not compatible with or adequately funded for GP participation; Excludes the GP from caring for their pregnant patients. Participants would like a flexible, locally adaptable, adequately funded maternity model, supporting shared care. Some thought work-life balance and low GPO numbers could deter future GPs from maternity practice. Others felt with political will, support of universities, and Royal New Zealand College of General Practice and Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, GPs could become more involved in maternity care again. CONCLUSIONS: Participants thought the LMC model isolates maternity practitioners, is incompatible with general practice and causes loss of continuity of general practice care. They support provision of maternity care in general practice; however, for more GPs to become involved, the LMC model needs review.
