Decision-making in midwifery: A tripartite clinical decision

Abstract

Decision-making within midwifery practice is complex and challenging, and is directly linked to the standard of care provided. In the literature around decision-making there are alternative approaches mentioned, which are founded on the notion that decision-making is either: logical, such as Elstein et al's (1978) four-stage model; intuitive, such as the intuitive-humanistic model; or an amalgamation of the two. The extent to which these existing models can be applied to midwifery decision-making is discussed, and an adapted decision-making model is presented. This modified model attempts to address the complexity of decision-making in midwifery practice, with reference to a clinical case study to illustrate its function.