Problem description
Since the implementation of the Royal Decree of 15.12.2013, midwives in Belgium have the right to prescribe medicines autonomously. Because the authority for midwives to prescribe is relatively new, there is little insight into the prescribing behaviour of Belgian midwives. There is also no data on the number of prescribing midwives in Belgium, but there is especially a lack of insight into what happens in the workplace: what they prescribe; whether midwives feel capable and educated; their experiences and attitudes towards prescribing, the experiences of women and the perception of colleagues in the field of prescribing.
Research objective
To gain insight into the behaviour of midwives in prescribing medication and the underlying behavioural determinants to support (prospective) midwives in Belgium in this task.
Sub-goals
- Gain insight into prescriptive behaviour and the influencing factors
- Identify how research results contribute to supporting (prospective) midwives in this task
Theoretical framework
The Attitude-Social Influence & Self-efficacy (ASE) model supports the research in the project. This model states that prescriptive behavior is explained by the intention to exhibit that behavior and that the intention in turn is explained by three main determinants: attitude, social influence and self-efficacy.
Methodology
Mixed-methods study through different substudies:
- Literature research on independent prescribing by midwives in western countries
- Survey of Belgian midwives on their prescription behaviour, skills and education
- Cross-sectional research into women's experiences of prescribing by midwives
- Survey of professionals concerned with midwifery prescription behaviour