Development of a Midwifery Student Peer Debriefing Tool: An interpretive descriptive study

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Midwifery Education
• Trauma Studies

Background:

• Vicarious trauma, a form of psychosocial trauma, affects individuals present during childbirth.
• Currently, no interventions exist for midwifery students experiencing vicarious trauma from difficult birth events.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt an existing counseling intervention for midwifery students experiencing vicarious trauma.
• To assess the feasibility and appropriateness of a peer-led debriefing tool for midwifery students.

Main Methods:

• Interpretive descriptive methodology was employed at two Australian universities.
• A stakeholder group of midwifery students and academics adapted the intervention.
• Reflexive Thematic Analysis guided the refinement of the tool based on collected data.

Main Results:

• The Midwifery Student Peer Debriefing Tool, a six-step intervention, was developed.
• The tool's feasibility was confirmed, with a key theme being the desire for meaningful outcomes.
• Peer debriefing fostered professional growth and a deeper understanding of midwifery.

Conclusions:

• Vicarious trauma contributes significantly to midwives and students leaving the profession.
• The developed peer debriefing tool aids recovery from adversity and enhances learning in midwifery practice.
• This intervention supports student retention by addressing the psychological impact of difficult birth experiences.