Supporting Midwives

SDG 3 Supporting midwives to stay in the profession

Goal 3.1 Reduce the global maternal mortality ratio

A five year study is underway in Australia exploring ways to better support midwives, to help reduce burnout and departure from the workforce.

Project summary

Midwives provide critical care for mothers and babies yet they are burning out and leaving the profession in droves. Studies in Australia and overseas confirm this, with one large study finding midwives had even higher rates of burnout than nurses. The issue was already a problem prior to COVID19, the pandemic has simply exacerbated things. Improving support for midwives is vital for the long-term sustainability of the workforce, and for the wellbeing of women and babies.

This 5-year cluster randomised controlled trial is examining the efficacy of Group Clinical Supervision (GCS) as a support strategy for midwives. The GCS model is a recognised structured facilitation process allowing deep reflection of workplace issues. Participating midwives are being offered GCS monthly for up to two years. Issues being measured include levels of burnout, sick leave rates, perceptions of workplace culture, workforce exit rates, and the efficacy of the GCS model. 

This study is funded by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council. Across seven NSW Local Health Districts, 12 maternity sites in greater Sydney are involved. The participation of maternity managers and midwives themselves has been essential for the successful implementation of the project. 

Positive impacts on midwives attending regular GCS can be multifactorial including greater job satisfaction, improved professionalism, less burnout and higher retention rates. Higher levels of job satisfaction and improved morale enhances workplace communication and culture. Together, these factors can help improve healthcare management and efficiency, and more importantly, improve the quality of care women and families receive at a pivotal time in their lives.

Project timeline

2020 - 2024

More Information

For more information see this website.

SDG targets addressed by this project

Icon for SDG 3 Good health and well-being

Good health and wellbeing:

3.1 - By 2030, reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births.

3.7 - By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programs.

Back to SDG 3  Good Health and Wellbeing

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.