An exploration of midwives' perceptions of the Ockenden review: a qualitative study.

AIM: This study aims to understand midwives' perceptions of the Ockenden report.

BACKGROUND

The Ockenden report was published following an inquiry into maternity services at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust. It reports multiple failings endemic at the Trust and concludes with 15 'Immediate and Essential Actions' to be enacted across English maternity services. The report and its recommendations have resulted in changes to maternity practice throughout the UK.

METHOD: An exploratory qualitative study design, comprising semi-structured interviews with nine midwives between May and July 2023.

RESULTS

Two overarching themes were identified; the context of the report, and the impact of the report, and within them five subthemes. These were: "We've seen it all before"; Change is complicated; A tool for change; Perception of midwifery; and Fuelling the obstetric paradigm. Midwives recognised the importance of the report and many of the concerns it raised and agreed there are significant problems within UK maternity care. However, there was also an expression of concern regarding the lack of evidence supporting some of the recommendations and how the report was impacting practice.

CONCLUSIONS

There are significant problems present in maternity practice in the UK. Inquiries may lead to important recommendations; however, they can be difficult to enact and may have unintended consequences. More research is needed looking into why meaningful change is difficult to achieve and how perinatal professionals interact with policy change.