Using an Objective Structured Clinical Examination for Bachelor of Midwifery students' preparation for practice

Area of Science:

• Midwifery Education
• Clinical Skills Assessment
• Healthcare Simulation

Background:

• Midwifery requires rigorous, standardized assessment of practical skills and knowledge for maternal and neonatal safety.
• Ensuring competence in midwifery is crucial for effective pre-, intra-, and post-childbirth care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of Best Practice Guidelines (BPG) for Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE) in developing clinical competence among Bachelor of Midwifery students.
• To assess student and academic perceptions of OSCEs' impact on confidence and preparedness for clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• A pragmatic mixed-methods approach was employed, utilizing surveys, focus groups, and interviews.
• Quantitative and qualitative data were collected to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the OSCEs.
• First-year Bachelor of Midwifery students and academic staff participated in the study.

Main Results:

• High survey response rate (94%) and focus group participation (13 students).
• OSCEs were perceived to improve student confidence and relevance to clinical practice.
• A majority of students (70%) used an integrated approach to prepare for OSCEs, enhancing their assessment skills.

Conclusions:

• BPG-designed OSCEs effectively focus on essential knowledge and practical skills, aiding student learning and performance.
• Students reported high confidence levels regarding their upcoming professional experience.
• Broad implementation of BPG-aligned OSCEs is recommended to enhance midwifery education and assessment rigor.