Midwives’ perception of their professional values: a cross sectional survey in maternity hospitals
ENThe aim was to clarify the perception of professional values among midwives working in maternity hospitals in the second largest city of Lithuania. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted. In total, 147 midwives working in Kaunas (Lithuania) maternity hospitals responded to the questionnaire. The Lithuanian Bioethics Center issued the permission to conduct the study (No. BEC-82(M)-190). Results. The study found that for more than a half of midwives it is very important to follow professional values in their professional activities. The dominant values of midwives were sympathy, individual and professional competence, precision and accuracy in care, and responsibility. The professional values of autonomy in decision making and responsibility were more important for younger midwives. Conclusions. Sympathy, individual and professional competence, precision and accuracy in care, and responsibility were the most important professional values for midwives working in maternity hospitals. Values that midwives emphasize as important in their professional practice varied in accordance with their age and length of work experience. Keywords: midwife, professional values, competence, autonomy, Lithuania.
