Interactions between outcomes

This study also explored whether there were any interactions between outcomes, for example, if a midwife felt unwell because of work-related stress, might this contribute to burnout?

Comparative Findings:

  • Compared to midwives who did not report feeling unwell due to work-related stress, those that did had:
    • ⬆ 7 x higher odds of personal burnout
    • ⬆ 11 x higher odds of work-related burnout
    • ⬆ 4.5 x higher odds of client-related burnout
  • Compared to midwives who took time off for work-related stress, those not taking time off had:
    • ⬆ 1.5 x higher odds of personal burnout
    • ⬆ Almost 3.5 x higher odds of work-related burnout
    • ⬆ 1.6 x higher odds of client-related burnout

Impact of Pleased Standard of Care:

  • If midwives agreed that they were pleased with their standard of care, did it reduce the odds of burnout?
    • YES ⬇ Odds of personal burnout reduced by 62%
    • YES ⬇ Odds of work-related burnout reduced by 80%
    • YES ⬇ Odds of client-related burnout reduced by 52%

Impact of Job Satisfaction:

  • If midwives reported being satisfied in their job, did it reduce the odds of burnout?
    • YES ⬇ Odds of personal burnout reduced by 72%
    • YES ⬇ Odds of work-related burnout reduced by 90%
    • YES ⬇ Odds of client-related burnout reduced by 72%

Impact of Thinking about Leaving:

  • Compared to midwives who had not thought about leaving midwifery, those who had thought about leaving had:
    • ⬆ 3.4 x higher odds of personal burnout
    • ⬆ 6.5 x higher odds of work-related burnout
    • ⬆ 5 x higher odds of client-related burnout
  • If midwives agreed that they were pleased with their standard of care, did it reduce the odds of thinking about leaving midwifery?
    • YES ⬇ Odds of thinking about leaving reduced by 72%
  • If midwives were satisfied in their jobs, did it reduce the odds of thinking about leaving midwifery?
    • YES ⬇ Odds of thinking about leaving reduced by 85%

This shows that better outcomes in one area can promote better outcomes in another.

Pathway Diagram:

The figure below draws together the findings of the analysis and comments from midwives in free-text responses. The figure depicts the pathway where chronic fatigue and unresolved stressors at work lead to presenteeism, burnout, reduced job satisfaction, and thoughts about leaving. This model also suggests that the ability to provide safe and effective care will be influenced by the prevalence of each emotional well-being outcome.

Thoughts about leaving midwifery