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Midwifery managers' views about the use of complementary therapies in the maternity services

Williams, Julie; Mitchell, Mary

Authors

Julie Williams

Mary Mitchell



Abstract

The burgeoning interest in complementary therapies (CTs) in the general population over the last decade has created a demand for CTs to be made available within the NHS. There are some excellent examples of midwives who have introduced CTs into clinical practice and who are providing an enhanced service to women as a result [Budd S. Moxibustion for breech presentation. Complement Therap Nurs Midwifery 2000; 6(4): 176-9; Tiran D. Complementary strategies in antenatal care. Complement Therap Nurs Midwifery 2001; 7: 19-24; Ager C. A complementary therapy clinic, making it work. RCM Midwives J 2002; 5(6): 198-200; Burns E, Blamey C, Ersser S, Lloyd AJ, Barnetsson L. The use of aromatherapy in intrapartum midwifery practice: an observational study. Oxford: OCHRAD; 1999]. Overall, however, service provision remains patchy and ad hoc with little evidence of a robust integration into the maternity services. This article presents the qualitative findings from a national survey of the heads of maternity services in England. They were asked to indicate their views and perceptions about the benefits, promoters and constrainers in relation to CT integration within the maternity services. Our findings show that overall, views are positive, with increasing consumer satisfaction, promotion of normal childbirth and a reduction in medical intervention being seen as the main benefits. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Citation

Williams, J., & Mitchell, M. (2007). Midwifery managers' views about the use of complementary therapies in the maternity services. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 13(2), 129-135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2006.01.001

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date May 1, 2007
Journal Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice
Print ISSN 1744-3881
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 13
Issue 2
Pages 129-135
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2006.01.001
Keywords complementary therapies, maternity services
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1028376
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2006.01.001




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