Table 1
Similarities and differences in the definition and scope of practice of midwives between the five representative countries. Note: CPMs: certified professional midwives.
| Items\Countries | Sweden | Finland | The United Kingdom | Australia | The United States |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | |||||
| Acceptance into education | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Education | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Registration | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Scope of practice | |||||
| Autonomous environment | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| The objective of care | Male, female, children, teenagers, adults | Male, family, society | Female, family | Male, female, infant, family, community | Male, female, new born, family |
| The period of care | Life cycle | Pregnancy, childbirth, child years | Pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum recovery | Pregnancy, postpartum period lasts 6 weeks | Adolescent– menopause |
| Prescription right | √ | √ | √ | √ | √(except for CPMs) |
| Health counselling | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Others | |||||
| Professional institution | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |