Humanising Institutions

Margaret Hannah; Katy Steward; Mary Renfrew

doi:10.1007/978-3-031-95827-4_4

Humanising Institutions

Margaret Hannah (Lead / Corresponding author)
, Katy Steward
, Mary Renfrew

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter

Abstract

Scientific and technical progress in maternal care has improved birth outcomes significantly in the last 150 years, but as several recent reviews of services have reported, cultural challenges remain problematic in many institutions of maternal care. This chapter examines ways in which changing patterns of health and practice have placed new demands on maternity services, driving up costs. Efficiency savings are not a long-term sustainable solution and end up placing more stress on the workforce and reducing the quality of care. Restoring a humane culture which prioritises relationships and care is needed alongside appropriate use of technical interventions. Privileging the voice of women, creating ways for them to share their experiences as citizens and as participants in their care plays an essential role in humanising maternity care. This is achieved through culturally sensitive, community-based care. In short, a human response across the whole maternity system, to enable compassion, deep listening and responsiveness to women’s needs offers a resilient and lasting response to these challenges.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	Humanising Birth
Subtitle of host publication	Considerations for the Global Maternity Crisis
Editors	Elizabeth Newnham, Lois McKellar, Kaveri Mayra, Yvonne Kuipers
Publisher	Springer Nature
Pages	47-60
Number of pages	14
ISBN (Electronic)	9783031958274
ISBN (Print)	9783031958267
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-95827-4_4
Publication status	Published - 7 Nov 2025

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

Keywords

Community
Compassion
Cultural sensitivity
Culture
Humanising
Leadership
Women’s health

ASJC Scopus subject areas

General Nursing
General Medicine

Access to Document

10.1007/978-3-031-95827-4_4

Cite this

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title = "Humanising Institutions",

abstract = "Scientific and technical progress in maternal care has improved birth outcomes significantly in the last 150 years, but as several recent reviews of services have reported, cultural challenges remain problematic in many institutions of maternal care. This chapter examines ways in which changing patterns of health and practice have placed new demands on maternity services, driving up costs. Efficiency savings are not a long-term sustainable solution and end up placing more stress on the workforce and reducing the quality of care. Restoring a humane culture which prioritises relationships and care is needed alongside appropriate use of technical interventions. Privileging the voice of women, creating ways for them to share their experiences as citizens and as participants in their care plays an essential role in humanising maternity care. This is achieved through culturally sensitive, community-based care. In short, a human response across the whole maternity system, to enable compassion, deep listening and responsiveness to women{\textquoteright}s needs offers a resilient and lasting response to these challenges.",

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T1 - Humanising Institutions

AU - Hannah, Margaret

AU - Steward, Katy

AU - Renfrew, Mary

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025.

PY - 2025/11/7

Y1 - 2025/11/7

N2 - Scientific and technical progress in maternal care has improved birth outcomes significantly in the last 150 years, but as several recent reviews of services have reported, cultural challenges remain problematic in many institutions of maternal care. This chapter examines ways in which changing patterns of health and practice have placed new demands on maternity services, driving up costs. Efficiency savings are not a long-term sustainable solution and end up placing more stress on the workforce and reducing the quality of care. Restoring a humane culture which prioritises relationships and care is needed alongside appropriate use of technical interventions. Privileging the voice of women, creating ways for them to share their experiences as citizens and as participants in their care plays an essential role in humanising maternity care. This is achieved through culturally sensitive, community-based care. In short, a human response across the whole maternity system, to enable compassion, deep listening and responsiveness to women’s needs offers a resilient and lasting response to these challenges.

AB - Scientific and technical progress in maternal care has improved birth outcomes significantly in the last 150 years, but as several recent reviews of services have reported, cultural challenges remain problematic in many institutions of maternal care. This chapter examines ways in which changing patterns of health and practice have placed new demands on maternity services, driving up costs. Efficiency savings are not a long-term sustainable solution and end up placing more stress on the workforce and reducing the quality of care. Restoring a humane culture which prioritises relationships and care is needed alongside appropriate use of technical interventions. Privileging the voice of women, creating ways for them to share their experiences as citizens and as participants in their care plays an essential role in humanising maternity care. This is achieved through culturally sensitive, community-based care. In short, a human response across the whole maternity system, to enable compassion, deep listening and responsiveness to women’s needs offers a resilient and lasting response to these challenges.

KW - Community

KW - Compassion

KW - Cultural sensitivity

KW - Culture

KW - Humanising

KW - Leadership

KW - Women’s health

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105037567677

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DO - 10.1007/978-3-031-95827-4_4

M3 - Chapter

AN - SCOPUS:105037567677

SN - 9783031958267

SP - 47

EP - 60

BT - Humanising Birth

A2 - Newnham, Elizabeth

A2 - McKellar, Lois

A2 - Mayra, Kaveri

A2 - Kuipers, Yvonne

PB - Springer Nature

ER -

Humanising Institutions

Abstract

UN SDGs

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Access to Document

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Cite this