Year: 1999
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Little is known about the collaborative relationships between obstetrical nurses and midwives in Ontario. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (Ajzen, 1985; 1988; 1991) was used to explore obstetrical nurses' intentions toward collaborating with midwives. Data were collected by mailed questionnaires in three Labour and Delivery Units which provided low-risk care. Responding nurses (N = 45; response rate = 45%) were typically 30-39 years old (35.5%), diploma educated (62.2%), and had 6-10 years of obstetrical nursing experience (28.8%). Intention scores were Mostly Positive (M = 61.5; s.d. = 30.3). Behavioural attitude and perceived behavioural control, were related to intention scores (r = .67, p < .001; r = .65, p < .001). However subjective norm scores were unrelated to intention (r = .42, ns). Behavioural attitude scores accounted for a significant amount of the variance in intention scores (F (1,25) 23.91, p < .001); however, subjective norm scores did not contribute (p = .22, ns). Perceived behavioural control scores were not included in regression analysis due to high correlation with behavioural attitude scores. The results indicate that these nurses had positive intentions to collaborate with midwives. These intentions are largely mediated by behavioural attitude. This, in turn, implies that intention to behave collaboratively could be supported by: (1) demonstrating the positive outcomes of collaboration; (2) fostering the change process; and (3) increasing interprofessional interaction. Implications for theory and further research are also described.
Author: Nancy Kristine Schottle
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2807147164