Table 4.

Constructive concept of the professional autonomy of the midwife

Conceptual framework of autonomy of midwives (Ito: 2015)4	Core competency of the midwives (Japan Nursing Association)	Japanese Midwives Professional Autonomy Scale
“Diagnosis and practice of midwifery” “Ability to practice care during delivery”	Maternity care ability (pregnancy, childbirth, or the puerperium, neonatal diagnosis and care)	Factor I:	Perinatal midwifery practice ability
		Factor II:	Responsibilities in midwifery care
	Ethical stress (Caregiving attitude)	Factor III:	Caring in midwifery care
“Collaboration and cooperation with doctors”	Professional autonomy ability (Management/Self-development)	Factor IV:	Collaboration and cooperation in midwifery care
		Factor V:	Brush up on midwifery care