Die Theorie der Hebammenidentitäts-Konstruktion im Kontext von interprofessioneller Zusammenarbeit und Medikalisierung der Geburt

Midwifery care is provided by several health professions, but is not always successful. Up to now research on collaboration in obstetrical care is limited. Aim of this research is to explore the working conditions of interprofessional work in the clinical setting and examine the subjective perspective of midwives on collaboration. Data from 20 participant observations and 14 interviews in the clinical setting are part of the analysis. The a Theory of midwifery-professional identity-construction in the context of interprofessional collaboration and medicalization of birtha stresses the influence of professional identity in the collaboration with others. The professional identity of midwives is characterized by several parts of identity. They are built in a process of identity-construction. Different parts of the identity can include contrasting believes. Midwifery-professional identity-construction is shown on a range of autonomous to subordinated work. In this way midwives cope with the heterogeneous demands of the work situation in the clinical setting.