An explorative study of factors contributing to the job satisfaction of primary care midwives in the Netherlands – a qualitative study

Background Job satisfaction plays an important role in decisions to leave the job and can affect the health of care providers as well as the health and safety of their clients. However, little is known about factors associated... [ view full abstract ]

Background
Job satisfaction plays an important role in decisions to leave the job and can affect the health of care providers as well as the health and safety of their clients. However, little is known about factors associated with job satisfaction among primary care midwives.

Aim and objectives of the study:
To identify factors associated with the job satisfaction of primary care midwives in the Netherlands and describe areas for improvement.

Method
In 2010, 99 of the 108 midwives in twenty Dutch primary care midwifery practices returned a written questionnaire (ethical approved by our institute). A qualitative design, based on the constructivist/interpretative paradigm, was used to analyze three open-ended questions focused on factors linked to job satisfaction as follows: “What are you very satisfied with, in your work as a midwife?”, “What would you most like to change about your work as midwife?” and “What could be improved in your work?”

Findings
83% of the participating primary care midwives were satisfied with their job. The factors positively associated with their job satisfaction were: direct contact with clients, supportive cooperation and teamwork with immediate colleagues, organization of and innovation within the practice where they work and the independence, autonomy, freedom, variety and opportunities they experienced in their work. Although non-client related activities such as administrative tasks and consultation with other care providers were viewed as an essential part of the midwives’ job, the balance between these activities and direct client care was identified as an area for improvement.

Conclusions and Implications
Although the participating midwives were satisfied with their job, areas for improvement were identified. Further research can gain more insight into factors directly influencing the job satisfaction experienced by midwives. The results of our study may be relevant in settings that have a comparable maternity care system, or are implementing midwifery-led care.