Study reveals characteristics of strong midwifery leaders

Coventry University has led the biggest ever international study into midwifery leadership, which has identified several characteristics that make for strong midwifery leaders.

“A lack of understanding of what strong leadership looks like in the context of midwifery has been a barrier, but we hope this study will help to address this issue”

Sally Pezaro

The study comes as leading researchers have warned that investment in midwifery leadership worldwide had historically been low.

It is thought that the findings of this research could help improve the way midwife leaders are identified and trained.

The study, produced in conjunction with Nursing Now Challenge and non-profit health organisation Jhpiego, consulted 429 midwives and nurse-midwives from 76 countries worldwide.

The findings uncovered 10 characters of strong midwifery leaders, which included being able to mediate and having resilience, empathy and compassion.

Overall, participants suggested that a strong midwifery leader must also be dedicated to the midwifery profession and have a strong midwifery identity.

For example, one participant from Kenya said that midwifery leaders “must love to be midwives”, while another from Ghana said they must “have passion for the profession”.

Being an evidence-based practitioner was also cited as necessary for strong midwifery leadership.

A respondent from Pakistan said: “Strong efforts in research, in the clinical area and in teaching area makes strong midwifery leadership.”

Strong midwifery leaders were also viewed as “eager to research and improve outcomes supportive to staff”, according to a UK respondent.

Other traits identified included being an effective decision maker, a role model, a visionary and an advocate for both the profession and service users.

Alongside the leadership traits, the study also uncovered seven enablers which could help create environments for midwifery leaders to flourish.

One key enabler was the need for a clear professional identify, and for the midwifery profession to be valued as equal to the nursing profession.

As part of this, a respondent from Australia imagined that “every state, province, locality, country has a chief midwife who drives the midwifery agenda at the government level”.

Similarly, the study also highlighted the importance of increasing societal value of midwifery.

As part of this, one participant from the US wished that “midwifery was truly valued in society, governments and healthcare systems”.

In making this vision a reality, strong midwifery leadership across the world could be activated and sustained, said the study.

Other enablers identified included ongoing research in the profession, professional development in leadership, interprofessional collaboration and succession planning.

The study itself was spearheaded by Dr Sally Pezaro, research enriched learning lead for Coventry University’s research centre for healthcare and communities.

Dr Pezaro, who is also a fellow of the Royal College of Midwives, said it was “widely acknowledged” that investment in midwifery leadership worldwide had been low.

“Strong leadership in healthcare leads to increased staff satisfaction, and improved safety cultures, but conversely weak leadership in midwifery has been linked to a range of negative outcomes,” she explained.

Dr Pezaro added: “A lack of understanding of what strong leadership looks like in the context of midwifery has been a barrier, but we hope this study will help to address this issue.

“Having strong, effective midwife leaders is vital and by identifying the traits needed, it will support those in the profession to both choose and become the ideal individuals to take on such roles.”