"Doing" is never enough, if "being" is neglected: exploring midwives' perspectives on the influence of an emotional intelligence education programme: a qualitative study. [Article]

Tabib, Mo; Humphrey, Tracy; Forbes-McKay, Katrina

Abstract

The role of the midwife is emotionally demanding, with many midwives experiencing high levels of stress and burnout, and a great number considering leaving the profession. This has serious implications for the delivery of high-quality, safe maternity care. One of the major factors leading to job dissatisfaction is the conflict between midwives' aspiration of truly 'being' with the woman and the institutional expectations of the role, which focuses on the 'doing' aspects of the job. 'Being' present to a woman's psychological needs, whilst meeting the institutional demands, requires high levels of emotional intelligence (EI) in the midwife. Therefore, enhancing midwives' EI could be beneficial. An EI programme was made available to midwives with the intention to promote their emotional intelligence and enable them to utilise relaxation techniques for those in their care. The aim of this study was to explore midwives' perspectives on the influence of the EI education programme on their emotional wellbeing and experiences of practice. The study took a descriptive qualitative approach. Thirteen midwives participated in focus group interviews. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. The overarching theme of 'The Ripple Effect' included three themes of 'Me and my relationships', 'A different approach to practice', and 'Confidence and empowerment'. The programme was seen to create a positive ripple effect, influencing midwives personally, their approach to practice, and feelings of confidence in their role. The study concluded that EI education can reduce emotional stress in midwives, enhance their empathy and feelings of confidence, and thereby improve the quality of care that they provide.

Citation

TABIB, M., HUMPHREY, T. and FORBES-MCKAY, K. 2024. "Doing" is never enough, if "being" is neglected: exploring midwives' perspectives on the influence of an emotional intelligence education programme: a qualitative study. Women and birth [online], 37(3), article number 101587. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2024.02.003

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 5, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Mar 19, 2024
• Publication Date: May 31, 2024
• Deposit Date: Dec 1, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 1, 2023
• Journal: Women and birth
• Print ISSN: 1871-5192
• Electronic ISSN: 1878-1799
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 37
• Issue: 3
• Article Number: 101587
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2024.02.003
• Keywords: Midwifery; Midwives; Emotional intelligence; Job satisfaction; Wellbeing; Self-awareness; Empathy; Empowerment
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2158814