Should midwives wear uniforms? Let's ask the women.

MIDWIVES; PROFESSIONAL identity; MEDICAL ethics; DRESS codes in the workplace; HOSPITAL maternity services; TEACHING hospitals

This study was designed to ascertain the views of women during their experiences of childbirth in regard to the wearing of uniform by midwives at a central London teaching hospital. One hundred and fifteen women leaving the hospital following their postnatal stay were invited to complete a short questionnaire. A 91% response rate was achieved. The findings were evenly distributed. About half of the respondents were in favour of midwives wearing uniform. However, the other half of women considered uniform to be unimportant. Three main themes emerged from the written comments provided by the respondents: ‘professional identity’, ‘as long as midwives are caring it does not matter what they wear’ and ‘safety’.These findings will be useful to support policy making as the maternity unit moves into a new building in October 2008 when midwives will be expected to return to wearing nurse-type uniform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]