‘A match made in midwifery’: Women’s perceptions of student midwife partnerships

Elaine Jefford; Samantha J. Nolan; Holly Sansone; Stephen C. Provost

doi:10.1016/j.wombi.2018.11.018

Back

‘A match made in midwifery’: Women’s perceptions of student midwife partnerships

Journal article

Peer reviewed

‘A match made in midwifery’: Women’s perceptions of student midwife partnerships

Elaine Jefford, Samantha J. Nolan, Holly Sansone and Stephen C. Provost

Women and Birth, Vol.33(2), pp.193-198

2020

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2018.11.018

PMID: 30554958

Files and links (1)

url

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2018.11.018View

Published Version

Abstract

Continuity of Care

Midwifery education

Model of care

Relational care

Student midwife

Woman

Little is known regarding experiences of childbearing women participating in a Continuity of Care Experience. Continuity of Care immersion is considered a vital component of undergraduate education in Australia. A student midwife follows a woman’s childbearing journey regardless of the woman’s individual needs or chosen model of care. What do women value in their student-woman continuity experience, and does this vary with model of care provision? Qualitative analysis was conducted on open-text box responses from 946 mothers enrolled in one regional university Continuity of Care program between 2014-2018. This qualitative descriptive study identified three overarching themes: ‘Known student midwife’; ‘Knowledge’; and, ‘Professionalism’. The ‘Known Student Midwife’ was strongly associated with provision of support and advocacy for the woman and her partner/family. Women’s responses were overwhelmingly positive, however, when some partnerships terminated, a negative impact was reported. Themes were often interlinked, suggesting when women valued one key attribute the others were somewhat related. Although rare, from some responses it was unclear if students had over-stepped professional boundaries, prompting the need for ongoing education. This study provides compelling evidence for the perceived value of the Continuity of Care Experience in Australian midwifery curricula, as well as possible areas of concern regarding the nature of professional behaviour. Continuity of Care immersion plays a significant role in Australian midwifery education programs and is predominantly well received by childbearing women. Development of reflexive practice skills in undergraduate curricula may further enhance this experience for women.

Details

Title: ‘A match made in midwifery’: Women’s perceptions of student midwife partnerships
Authors: Elaine Jefford (Corresponding Author) - Southern Cross University
Samantha J. Nolan (Author) - Southern Cross University
Holly Sansone (Author) - Southern Cross University
Stephen C. Provost (Author) - Southern Cross University
Publication details: Women and Birth, Vol.33(2), pp.193-198
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date published: 2020
DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2018.11.018
ISSN: 1878-1799
PMID: 30554958
Organisation Unit: School of Health - Midwifery; School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99700176902621
Output Type: Journal article

Metrics

17 Record Views

12 Times Cited - Web of Science

See more details

InCites Highlights

These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output

Web Of Science research areas: Nursing; Obstetrics & Gynecology

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

Source: InCites