This journal article reviews seven studies that examined the leadership and team factors that support safe and effective maternity care. It provides a synthesis of the key attributes of safe leadership and teamwork, concluding that leaders with capability and experience on the front line have a greater impact than leaders that hold formal roles of seniority.

Related to this, finding from cultural surveys suggest there is a perceived need for greater presence of senior clinicians on the front line of care. Team training can provide ways of organising and structuring team interactions to clarify communication and establish clear roles, particularly during emergencies.