Cultural safety continuing professional development for midwifery academics: An integrative literature review

Awareness of cultural safety by midwifery academics is integral to the provision of a safe learning and teaching environments, use of effective pedagogies, and academic success of Indigenous midwifery students. However, little is known about the scope and efficacy of continuing professional development activities that aim to develop awareness of cultural safety by midwifery academics.

To conduct an integrative review of the literature with respect to the scope and efficacy of professional development interventions that aim to increase awareness of cultural safety by midwifery academics.

An integrative review of peer-reviewed literature from 2005 -2017 was undertaken. Documents were assessed using the Critical Appraisals Skills Program (CASP) guidelines. Concepts were mapped thematically.

Results are reported and discussed using key themes identified in the analysis. Five broad themes emerged from the analysis of studies. The themes were named: Cultural Terms, Knowledge of Culture, Cultural Education, Cultural Aspirations and Culture in Curricula.

Midwifery academics requireprofessional development to raise their awareness of cultural safety in order to adopt effective learning and teaching practices. There is currently no agreed best practice framework to support awareness of cultural safety for midwifery academics. The philosophy of midwifery practice has many synergies with the principles of cultural safety. Cultural safety needs to be embedded into professional development plans for midwifery academics.