How is cultural safety understood and translated into midwifery practice? A scoping review and thematic analysis

• Published in: Nurse Education in Practice
• Main Authors: Capper, Tanya S., Williamson, Moira, Chee, Rachelle
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 2023
• Subjects: cultural safety; midwifery practice; Australia; scoping review; education; midwives; First Nations
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2022.103507

Aim To identify and understand the scope of the literature published since January 2008 that explored Australian midwives understanding of cultural safety and how this is translated into their practice when caring for First Nations women and families. Background Recognition and understanding of First Nations peoples history and culture and the impact this has on the health and wellbeing of women and their families is essential if the midwife is to promote culturally safe and respectful maternity care. The role and responsibilities of the midwife in ensuring that their practice is culturally safe are now reflected in the Australian professional midwifery codes and standards. Whilst midwifery academics’ awareness of cultural safety and how it is taught within midwifery education programs have previously been explored, at present, little is known about midwives’ understanding of cultural safety, and how this translates into their clinical practice. Methods A Scoping Review was undertaken following Arksey and O’Malley’s five step process. Reporting followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses – Scoping Review extension checklist. Twelve studies met the criteria for inclusion. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data and organise the results. Results Thematic analysis, guided by two predetermined review questions led to the identification of six overarching themes: ‘Awareness of deficiencies’, ‘The importance of meeting women’s diverse needs’, ‘Understanding relationships as a foundation for culturally safe care’, ‘Working in partnership with others’, ‘Providing individualised care’ and ‘Fostering effective relationships and communication’. One sub-theme of the first theme was identified, this was named ‘Seeking an understanding of culture’. Conclusion Australian midwives’ level of understanding of cultural safety and how it is translated into their midwifery practice when caring for First Nations women and their families differ widely. Midwives across Australia require ...