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Setup and Execution of the Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice Death Notification Curriculum
Published on: August 5, 2020
Preparing student midwives to care for bereaved parents
1Faculty of Health and Social Care, School of Maternal and Child Health, University of the West of England, Blackberry Hill, Stapleton BS16 1DD, UK.
Nurse Education in Practice
|November 29, 2008
Summary
Student midwives require better preparation for caring for bereaved parents following infant death. This study evaluated current UK university training, highlighting themes of anxiety, teaching strategies, and preparedness for practice.
Area of Science:
- Midwifery Education
- Bereavement Care
- Perinatal Mortality
Background:
- Caring for parents after infant loss presents significant emotional challenges for midwives.
- Existing literature inadequately addresses the preparation of student midwives for this critical role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe and evaluate the preparation of student midwives for caring for bereaved parents.
- To explore student midwives' experiences and perceptions of their training in this area.
- To investigate the role of support organizations like the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society (SANDS) in training.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative evaluation of student midwife preparation at a UK university.
- Analysis of verbal feedback and reflective writing from students in 3-year and 18-month courses.
- Focus on the integration and utilization of the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society (SANDS) resources.
Main Results:
- Five key themes emerged from student feedback: dealing with death and bereaved families, managing anxieties and fears, effectiveness of teaching strategies, the role of user representation, and overall preparedness for practice.
- Students reported significant anxieties and fears related to caring for bereaved parents.
- The use of the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society (SANDS) was identified as a valuable, yet underexplored, component of training.
Conclusions:
- There is a clear need to enhance the preparation of student midwives for supporting bereaved parents.
- Effective teaching strategies for this sensitive area require further development and sharing among educators.
- Further research and debate are necessary to improve midwifery education in bereavement care and address student preparedness.
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