The midwifery curriculum--preparing beginning or advanced practitioners?

Area of Science:

• Nursing and Health Sciences
• Medical Education
• Professional Development

Background:

• Australian midwifery education has transitioned from hospital-based programs to tertiary-level university studies over the past decade.
• This transition is ongoing and varies across Australian States/Territories, with some retaining hospital-based courses.
• A variety of university awards now exist for midwifery education, with curricula often developed by academic staff.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of midwifery education in Australia.
• To define beginning and advanced midwifery practice through a curriculum development exercise.
• To identify differences between beginning and advanced midwifery practice.

Main Methods:

• Overview of the current landscape of midwifery education in Australia.
• A small study was conducted to define and differentiate beginning and advanced midwifery practice.
• Analysis of curriculum development in university midwifery programs.

Main Results:

• Midwifery education in Australia is diverse, with ongoing shifts from hospital-based to university settings.
• The study identified clear distinctions between the competencies and scope of practice for beginning and advanced midwives.
• University-developed curricula are common, reflecting academic expertise.

Conclusions:

• There is a need for Australian universities to offer flexible, creative, and learner-appropriate midwifery programs.
• Recognizing the differences between beginning and advanced practice is crucial for curriculum design.
• The evolution of midwifery education requires adaptable and responsive academic offerings.