The theoretical basis for nurse-midwifery practice in the United States: A critical analysis of three theories

The relatively recent effort of midwifery scholars has resulted in the development of three middle-range midwifery theories in the United States. This article examines the three theoretical models that have been developed to describe the essential components of midwifery practice. The three theorist...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of midwifery & women's health 2004-09, Vol.49 (5), p.381-389
Main Author: Cragin, Leslie
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Clinical Competence
Female
Humans
Meta-Analysis as Topic
midwifery
Midwifery - organization & administration
midwifery model
midwifery research
Models, Nursing
Nurse Midwives - organization & administration
Nurse's Role
nurse-midwifery
Nurse-Patient Relations
Nursing
Nursing Evaluation Research
Nursing Methodology Research
Outcome and Process Assessment (Health Care)
Patient Participation
Pregnancy
theory
United States
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Description
Summary:The relatively recent effort of midwifery scholars has resulted in the development of three middle-range midwifery theories in the United States. This article examines the three theoretical models that have been developed to describe the essential components of midwifery practice. The three theorists demonstrate remarkable consistency in the identification of concepts important to the discipline, which includes the following essential characteristics of the midwifery paradigm of care: 1) acknowledgment of connections between the mind and body and the person to the person’s life and world; 2) assuming the perspective of the woman to investigate meaning and her experience of symptoms or conditions, so that a plan of care is developed by midwife and woman together; and 3) protection and nurturance of the “normal” in processes related to women’s health, implying a judicious use of technology and intervention.
ISSN:1526-9523
1542-2011
DOI:10.1016/j.jmwh.2004.04.016