rosalee, this is of interest to us in the light of some work that a number of us are trying to do both in the context of outcome measures, and of minimum data sets to measure 'normal birth' (whatever that is). Do you think that the term 'healthy' is interpreted in a common manner, both between midwives, and between midwives, obstetricans and women? some of the work i am involved in suggests that womens interpretation of wellbeing may well be very different from that of professional groups. This may affect the kinds of outcomes used to measure 'health'. did you find anything which may chime with these findings?
all the best
Soo
Dr Soo Downe
Director
Research in Childbearing and Health (ReaCH) group
Midwifery Studies Research Unit
University of Central Lancashire
Preston PR1 2HE
Lancs
England
tel: 01772 893815
>>> [log in to unmask] 12/17/02 10:38pm >>>
Jane, my doctoral work was looking at midwifery indicators and outcomes.
Although the work is yet unfinished, I would be happy to discuss it further.
There is a deal of difficulty in differentiating between medical and midwifery outcomes, and I found that for both of these groups the ultimate outcome is "healthy mother, healthy baby" and the indicators linked to this.
The main difference between midwifery and medicine is not in the ultimate aim, but in the process, and so I am finding that process indicators are much more relevant, e.g. the use of chemical pain management is one example.
Happy to discuss this further if its useful.
Rosalee
>>> [log in to unmask] 12/17/02 06:33PM >>>
I have forwarded this message on behalf of a query to ICM. Please send replies to list and I will collate, and return to the list and the original sender.
Jane Sandall - list moderator
-----Original Message-----
Pam McQuide and I are working on a paper re: nursing and midwifery outcomes. Do you have any recommendations regarding literature of midwifery outcomes or cost comparisons across different types of care providers. Finding good conclusive studies in the literature has been difficult.
Any suggestions would be welcome. Thanks for your help. Judy
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