Comparison of the Viewpoints of Midwives Working in Teaching Hospitals and Health Centers in Tehran City about Management Factors Associated with Midwifery Errors (Iran)

Midwifery errors are associated with several problems for mother and fetus, which can lead to deadly consequences. On the other hand, if the causes of these errors are not identified, it is not possible to make appropriate decision to reduce or eliminate them. Therefore, identifying the factors associated with these errors is of particular value. The aim of this study was to identify the management factors that cause midwifery errors and the role of each factor in the occurrence of midwifery errors from the viewpoints of midwives working in Tehran city.
This descriptive study was performed on 252 midwives working in Tehran city (2014). The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire, which its face and content validity, were determined by calculating CVR and CVI indices. The reliability of the tool was confirmed by a test-retest method and calculation of Cronbach's alpha.
In this study, 176 midwives (69.8%) or their colleagues had the history of committing midwifery errors; 209 subjects (82.9%) believed that wrongdoer person reports his/her error; and 176 subjects (69.8%) stated that error report form is filled out. Moreover, the overall effect of management factor on the occurrence of midwifery errors, showed no significant difference from the viewpoints of midwives participating in the research.
According to the results of the present study, management factors as the major cause of occurrence of midwifery errors, require more attention in order to reduce midwifery errors.