I am a midwife by trade and a medical sociologist by academic
training. My research interests are in the Sociology of Reproduction
and the Sociology of Occupations. More specifically they are grouped
in two areas I) The organisation of care and service delivery and
changing occupational roles 2) The impact of medical technology on
reproduction ie. the new genetics and reproductive technologies.
Recently completed research has examined the impact of changes in UK
maternity policy on the organisation of midwifery work. It examined
the nature of occupational change in the midwifery workforce and the
impact on midwives' health and wellbeing. Drawing on feminist work on
occupations and professions, it examined the nature and impact of new
ways of working on midwifery work and midwives' lives. Using both
qualitative data and data from a national survey of the midwifery
workforce, the relationship between working conditions, family
commitments and the psychosocial health of midwives was examined
(using regression analysis) which had wider implications for women,
work, family life and health.
I would like to compare findings from this UK study with research on
the midwifery workforce in Canada, New Zealand and the Netherlands in
the future. I am currently involved with a group of medical
sociologists working on an international comparison of maternity
policy and politics called the International Study Group for Maternal
Health Services.
A new research project is building on the findings of the above
study and is examining the changing role of the midwife in relation to
the Obstetrician and GP. This study will examine the implementation of
UK maternity policy and role change between midwives, GPs and
obstetricians in two health regions in the UK. The process by which
occupational role changes are achieved (or not) will be analysed,
along with the use of guidelines and the assessment of risk as a
mechanism for role negotiation. The study will also develop a
methodology to link childbirth outcomes and user views to service
configuration and delivery.
I have contributed to a multidisciplinary European project which
examined (among other issues), the provision of prenatal screening
services in four European countries. A survey of midwives in England
forms part of a comparative survey of midwives in Finland, Greece and
the Netherlands which examined the relationship between scientific
knowledge, professional practice and social values.
I am also involved in three complementary projects which are
exploring the impact of prenatal screening tests on women's experience
of pregnancy and childbearing, how new genetic tests are raising
ethical dilemmas for health professionals' practice and the notion of
risk and uncertainty in pregnancy and childbirth.
The introduction of health technologies such as genetic screening and
testing has added considerable complexity to the way that women and
health professionals view pregnancy and childbirth along with the way
that the concept of risk is being used by all groups. These issues
would benefit from further critical examination and I am keen to
explore some of these issues further with others with an interest in
the area.
Jane Sandall
Dr Jane Sandall
Reader in Midwifery
Department of Midwifery
City University
Philpot Street
London
E1 2EA
Tel: 0171 505 5871
Fax: 0171 505 5866
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