The objective of this cross-sectional exploratory study was to evaluate maternity care philosophy in a university hospital, from the academic perspective. The sample was composed of 47 nursing students and 47 medical students. The data was collected in 2008 via questionnaire. Data analysis encompassed descriptive statistics and the chi-squared test. The results evidenced that the principles related to the general care philosophy and the rights of users are implemented in almost every sector of the university hospital, while those related to integration among professionals and among sectors present the greatest fragilities. In general, health care students understand such philosophy and consider it to be implemented in every sector of the hospital, especially the obstetrics center, shared in-patient ward, and the center for incentivizing maternal breast-feeding. However, we also point out that making philosophy operational in its totality still remains a challenge to be faced and achieved.
Humanizing delivery; Maternal health services; Health services evaluation; Students, medical; Students, nursing
