The working relationship between midwives and junior doctors: A questionnaire survey of Yorkshire trainees

Abstract
Recruitment to obstetrics and gynaecology has fallen dramatically over the last decade. Surveys of medical students and junior doctors have suggested that apart from work/life imbalance, other factors such as poor job satisfaction and an unfriendly environment can significantly affect the choice of career. We conducted a questionnaire survey for Yorkshire trainees to evaluate current working and professional relationships between junior doctors and midwives. A total of 68 trainees participated in the study. Some 22% of trainees found midwives to be disrespectful to and argumentative with junior doctors. A total of 69% did not get a chance to examine patients on the labour wards because of the midwives. Midwives when compared with consultants were less courteous towards trainees and 53% of trainees felt that there is a communication problem that needs to be addressed. Our study results suggest a high level of dissatisfaction among trainees of the Yorkshire region and point at an area that needs further work to bring about a change to a better work environment for future junior doctors.

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