Title: Student Midwife Support Circles: a space to create, connect and celebrate
Background: Midwifery students juggle academic pressures, personal obligations, and the transition to clinical practice, including exposure to traumatic events, often leading to burnout, stress and compassion fatigue. Activities that build resilience and self-efficacy are beneficial in facilitating student engagement and promoting emotional wellbeing.
Aim: This study evaluates the effectiveness of Student Midwife Support Circles (SMSCs) as a co-curricular peer support activity, in building a sense of belonging and professional identity, and developing emotional wellbeing in undergraduate midwifery students.
Methods: Participants were recruited from past and current midwifery students at a regional university. A mixed-methods strategy employed a cross-sectional online survey along with individual interviews. Quantitative findings (n=31) were presented descriptively and compared with respect to attendance at the SMSCs. Qualitative data from both the survey (n=31) and interviews (n=3) was analysed using thematic analysis.
Results: Compared to students (n=9) who had not attended SMSCs, students who attended any number of SMSCs (n=22) reported greater compassion satisfaction and slightly higher self-efficacy. In addition, SMSC attendance significantly improved students’ views that support groups reduced stress whilst on placements, improved their sense of belonging to the profession, and increased student well-being. The qualitative findings confirmed these results and emphasised the value of peer support from students from multi-year levels, and an academic facilitating the group.
Conclusions: Students who have been to any number of SMSCs have more favourable views of the usefulness of these groups and some improvement in the satisfaction of care they provide and their confidence in dealing with challenges.
Impact: Where students are exposed to the benefits of forums like SMSCs, they become more open to using similar activities in their future midwifery practice. The SMSC concept is simple, easily replicable and resource efficient. It can be adapted and implemented across a variety of education and practice settings.
SDG4: SDG4 is a commitment to "ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all." This goal is a pivotal driver for positive change, emphasising the transformative power of education in fostering a sustainable and equitable world.
Authors: Ms Jessie Johnson-Cash, Dr Terri Downer, Dr Prudence Millear, Dr Jackie Holt.
Presenter: Ms Jessie Johnson-Cash