Norwegian midwives' perceptions of empowerment

Abstract

Introduction: Midwives are educated to care for women during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. For midwives to be able to fulfill their professional role they need to be empowered to do so.

Aim of the study: To investigate Norwegian midwives' perception of empowerment in practice.

Method: A cross-sectional study. In September 2014, a random sample of 1500 midwives was sent a questionnaire, which included the Perception of Empowerment in Midwifery Practice Scale (PEMS). Of 1458 eligible midwives, 595 (41%) completed the PEMS. Exploratory factor analyses and comparative analyses were done.

Results: Exploratory factor analyses identified three factors (subscales): Supportive management, Autonomous professional role, and Equipped for practice. Midwives working in a hospital setting scored significantly lower on the factors Supportive management and Autonomous professional role compared to midwives not working in a hospital setting (p < 0.001). Midwives with extra/special responsibilities scored higher than those without (p < 0.001) on the same two factors. Midwives working at units with <2500 births scored significantly higher on all three factors compared to midwives working at units with ≥2500 births (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The PEMS showed that Norwegian midwives' perception of empowerment at work differed according to midwives' education, role at work, duration of work experience, working situation and environment. This study supports the psychometric qualities of the PEMS.

Keywords: Empowerment; Midwife; Midwifery practice; PEMS.