Midwives' group supervision and the influence of their continuity of care model - a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Midwives' different leadership and supervisory styles influence women's experiences of childbirth in various ways.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate midwives' experiences of group supervision and the influence of the continuity of care model, with particular focus on childbearing women's need for emotional support. An additional aim was to evaluate the development of the midwives' professional competence.

METHODS: Qualitative thematic analysis was used to analyse the notes made during the supervision sessions and focus group discussion.

RESULTS: The significance of the midwives' continuity of care model was: assessment of the women's individual needs, enabling strategies to create a deeper relationship and acknowledging the vulnerability in the relationship with the women. The outcome of the midwives' group supervision was increased professional competence. Three themes emerged: Integrating science into midwifery practice, Awareness of one's professional role and Sensitivity in one's professional role.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide a clear indication that the women's need for emotional support can be fulfilled by the midwives' leadership.

IMPLICATION FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: The development of the midwife's role as a leader in maternity care is closely related to the opportunities for the provision of supervision aimed at increasing her professional competence.