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.
My PhD examined the impact of changes in UK
maternity policy on the organisation of midwifery work and midwives
lives. 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 multiple regression analysis) which had wider implications for
women, work, family life and health.As I write up these findings for
publication, I would like to compare findings from this UK study with
other countries. Is anyone else doing similar work?
A new research project which we have just started 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 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 (hopefully!)develop a methodology to link childbirth outcomes
and user views to service configuration and delivery.
My other interest is in the impact of reproductive technology. We are
just writing up findings from 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
formed 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.
--
Dr Jane Sandall
Reader in Midwifery
Dept. Midwifery
City University
London, E1 2EA
Tel: 0171 505 5871
Fax: 0171 505 5866
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